A proposal to switch to a tote-based trash pickup system sparked a host of questions and concerns on Tuesday from skeptical city councilors.

During the regular meeting of the City Council, some argued the upfront costs don't justify the long-term savings. Many asserted the project must go out to bid, while others worried the plan is too big a change without first educating residents on waste diversion.

"Have we really, really looked at all of the options to reduce the amount of trash that we're creating right now in Pittsfield, increase the recycling without this big upfront cost?" Ward 6 Councilor John Krol said during the meeting. "I feel really uncomfortable in a year ... that we let go of over 70 positions in our School Department, yet what kind of values does that show as a community when we're willing to put up $1.4-and-change million for plastic garbage receptacles?"