FERRIDAY — One Ferriday alderman is hoping a town-operated garbage system can help ultimately save the town money.

Alderman Elijah “Stepper” Banks brought a garbage plan before the town’s board of alderman Tuesday evening, saying the town could save nearly $2,000 a month in what it’s currently charged if it operated its own garbage collection system.

Delta Disposal currently handles the town’s garbage pickup, but that contract expires in December.

The town, Banks said, currently collects $17,000 monthly for garbage, but Delta Disposal only charges $12,755 monthly.

Banks’ plan would result in a $2,000 savings of what is currently charged and a $6,000 savings of what is currently collected.

The company was awarded a one-year contract in February after its previous provider, Waste Management, suspended garbage pickup after the city failed to pay a $200,000 garbage bill.

Allen said the town is currently paying Waste Management $7,500 a month for its past-due bills.

Banks’ plan included figures for a 2014 garbage truck, 1,500, 95-gallon garbage bins, as well as salaries for three full-time employees — a driver and two garbage collectors.

Other costs, such as employee benefits and tipping fees, were rough estimates, Banks said.

“I’m not sure how much we’re going to be picking up, so I don’t want to assume anything,” Banks said. “With that, we should be able to save $2,000 a month (from what is charged now.)”

Mayor Gene Allen thanked Banks for submitting the plan and asked the board to take it under advisement to further review the proposal.

“I’m not going to sit here and critique your figures when I haven’t had a chance to look at it carefully,” Allen said. “When I look at these figures, just to be honest, there are some things that aren’t quoted in here.

“But we have plenty of time to get the details of this thing worked out.”

Allen said the town can continue its contract with Delta Disposal on a month-to-month basis after the contract expires Dec. 30.

In other news from the meeting:

-Allen announced the town would be hosting a “Trunk or Treat” event for children to celebrate Halloween.

The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at Will Haney’s Big House, which is located on First Street.

“This event makes sure that children don’t have to go door to door to have a good time,” Allen said. “Local businesses have donated items from hotdogs to condiments and candy.”