BOC Sets Fee on Trash Disposal -Video Coverage of Meeting

The BOC reached an agreement at their special called meeting on March 2, 2011 on how they will handle the fee to citizens for residential trash disposal. Starting April 4th the fee for 32 gal size bag will be $1 and bags exceeding 32 gal will cost $2. A measuring device will be placed at all sites. The County will collect the fee at the sites initially accepting cash only. The BOC will immediately begin research on installation of some type of card system. The ideal set up would offer citizens the convenience of paying with a credit/debit card or possibly being able to purchase a prepaid card.

The change will be on a trial basis and will be re-evaluated after 90 days. Immediate control factors will be implemented to ensure the safety of employees and effectiveness of the plan. The County discussed placing cameras, using triplicate forms to ensure accountability, and frequent cash pick up from sites. All Commissioners agreed some type of card payment system would definitely have to be implemented in the future. The trial period will begin with the main sites hours of operation schedule of MON-SAT 7:30am-6:00pm and the sites currently closed will reopen with an hours of operation schedule of MON-WED-SAT 7:30am -6:00pm. The Tower Road site will open Sunday afternoons from 1pm-6pm and will operate with employee rotation.

part 1 trash $1 bag from Fetch on Vimeo.

Part 2 trash $1 bag from Fetch on Vimeo.

Part 3 trash $1 per bag from Fetch on Vimeo.

Part 4 trash $1 per bag from Fetch on Vimeo.

The County Attorney was able to arrange the previously approved meeting with Advanced Disposal and pointed out to the BOC where it currently stands as to the current contract with Advanced and possible future changes. The current contract appears to have favorable provisions regarding some aspects and should the contract be amended or terminated the BOC would be looking at possibly losing some of those benefits. However the BOC appears to understand Advanced Disposal’s interest in Gilmer County is clearly profit based. If the BOC’s handles the trash disposal it could ensure collected disposal fees remained a benefit to the County verses the fees simply becoming profit for an outside entity. Either way there is going to be a charge for trash disposal.

The BOC addressed concerns from Fire Chief, Tony Pritchett, of increased burning. Mr. Pritchett explained illegal burning is the same as illegal dumping. He usually gives a warning but wanted to caution citizens that there are penalties involved. Buddy Barrett, a local citizen that would use the Yukon site, voiced concerns to the BOC regarding the renovation of the Yukon site and expressed his desire that it be done right verses doing it quickly. JC Sanford explained that the County would set a goal of making all sites aesthetically pleasing.

While the BOC came to a trial basis agreement on the trash they also reminded us there are other issues that remain a challenge for Gilmer County. Will Beattie said “everyday my problems change” and JC told us “we are trying to stop a runaway train-stop borrowing and get back on track.” When questioned on the budget shortfall, Danny Hall said “we are getting on track this year and will have to make up for last year’s shortfall.” Another citizen questioned whether trash fees would be used in other areas? It seemed to be the opinion of the BOC that the charge to the citizens will be the same whether the County handles or it is bid out to an outside company. Obviously if the County handles the fee it will benefit the County and if handled by an outsider –the fee will leave the County.

The BOC continually expresses a desire to adjust the budget to realistic figures and reduce the shortfall. The trial basis allows the BOC an opportunity to investigate the possible benefits that the County’s handling of trash disposal could produce. The change in residential trash disposal will likely increase recycling and could potentially increase opportunity and income for local businesses involved in trash removal. The change will ensure that the County receives funds from anyone that uses the service, not just the property owners. Look for the charge to take effect April 4th, 2011.

Part 5 trash $1 per bag from Fetch on Vimeo.

Part 6 trash $1 per bag from Fetch on Vimeo.

Part 7 trash $1 per bag from Fetch on Vimeo.

Part 8 trash $1 per bag from Fetch on Vimeo.

Part 9 trash $1 per bag from Fetch on Vimeo.