French Quarter trash showdown averted for now

The big picture: Wednesday's ruling allows IV Waste to continue cleaning the Quarter while a related lawsuit works it way through the courts, according to Fox 8.

• The Supreme Court decision overturned two lower court rulings.
• It's a loss for Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who hired Henry Consulting through an emergency contract in hopes of replacing IV Waste, which had a separate contract.
• Sidney Torres of IV Waste and Troy Henry of Henry Consulting both told Axios they were prepared to have crews in the Quarter on Thursday.

The friction point: Cantrell has been pushing for Henry Consulting's contract, while the City Council has stood by IV Waste.

• Both trash haulers already collect garbage elsewhere in the city.
• The rift has sparked a number of lawsuits over the past seven months.
• The multiyear contract is worth nearly $75 million to clean the French Quarter and Downtown Development District.

What they're saying: "We respectfully disagree with the Court's rationale," Cantrell's office said in a statement late Wednesday.

• The statement referenced her common argument when disagreeing with City Council actions — it usurps the mayor's authority.
• Henry did not respond to a request for comment, while Torres thanked the Supreme Court on Facebook.

Catch up quick: Cantrell's administration said it executed a long-term contract in December with Henry Consulting, but the deal needs the City Council's approval.

• Council members delayed a vote over subcontracting concerns. Lawsuits followed.
• As those lawsuits started working through the courts, the City Council hired IV Waste as an emergency contractor. It has been handling the French Quarter since December.

Between the lines: French Quarter residents and businesses are fans of IV Waste's services.

• "The entire neighborhood looks better and smells better, even in the oppressive heat of July," said Erin Holmes of the Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents and Associates organization.

Meanwhile, Cantrell has made moves to restore the contract to Henry Consulting.

• Most recently, she declared an emergency and hired Henry Consulting to start in the French Quarter on Thursday.
• The contract paid the firm about $250,000 more per month than IV Waste's contract, Fox 8 says.

Yes, but: French Quarter Management District leadership wasn't convinced a contract was in place, said board chair Jane Cooper, so the state-created group hired its own garbage hauler this week.

• Cooper says IV Waste was the only company to bid on the emergency contract, which ends in December.
• IV Waste's contract is about $450,000 per month, Cooper says. The organization will seek reimbursement from the city.
• The contract starts Friday, but Cooper says IV Waste agreed to begin Thursday.

What we're watching: City Council president JP Morrell Wednesday night said the new contract puts garbage service elsewhere downtown in jeopardy and urged Cantrell take action.

What's next: The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals is set to hear arguments about Henry's long-term contract on Tuesday, according to The Times-Picayune.