A new trash collection contract that includes a hotly debated “administrative fee” was approved Monday after an error found in June in the bid specifications sparked a rebid.

After a 3-month extension with Republic Services to rebid for a new contract, council voted 4-3 this week in favor of a four-year contract with Waste Management.

Waste Management’s bids were recommended by City Manager Kim Jones for approval.

Councilman Rick Lowrey led the charge in May against any waste collection contract that included a “franchise fee” — as it was referred to in the first bidding round.

City leaders argued the fees will go back to the street fund for repairs, but several council members and city leaders admitted the fee would likely be passed to consumers.

Lowrey likened it to an imposed tax that he felt residents should decide on at the voting booth.

Mayor Lowell McGlothin and Councilmen Bill McIntire, Richard Zsambok and Mike Lowrey voted in favor of the contract. Joining Lowrey against it were council members Jane Manemann and Ethan Reynolds.

Those for the administrative fee generally said they voted in favor because the city needs money to continue to operate. Those against generally said agreed with Lowrey’s pleading that voters decide on it at the voting booth.

Under the new contract, residents on the per-bag system will pay $1.65 more per bag in the first year than they do now, but those on flat rate will pay $2.55 less, according to the rebid comparison chart.

Prices will increase annually each year by between 11 and 12 cents for per-bag customers and 33 and 35 cents per year for flat-rate customers.

The contract is eligible for three one-year extensions after four years, according to the specifications.

In other business:

• Council approved contracts with Motorola and the Ohio MARCS, or Multi-Agency Radio Communication System, for their contracted deputies, in line with a decision by the county to go with the system. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office will move to the MARCS on Oct. 1 as part of a federal mandate.