News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Van Buren County Commissioners voted to not accept the bid received for residential solid waste pickup on Monday.
This bid would have cost residents $19.75 a month, for weekly pick ups at their home. Committee A Chairman William Maxwell said the public is not behind residential pick up at this cost, but said changes to service will need to be considered at some point.
“It does appear from the citizens that this is not something they are in favor for,” Maxwell said. “However, I do think we’re gonna have to have a look at solid waste and some form of restructuring, in order for it to maintain in the future.”
Van Buren County Financial Director Jessica Grissom said changes to staffing and billing have resulted in a consistent income for the solid waste department. However, Maxwell said there is funding going into the solid waste department that will be moving back to the general fund in the next budget year.
“The thought was to be moved back to the general fund next year,” Maxwell said. “Because of some funding that’s going away, some state funding that’s going away, they were moved into solid waste to help us out.”
Another issue discussed for solid waste is people from out of the county using Van Buren County’s containers. However, Grissom said there are not many options for enforcement.
“They’re not gonna go to the convenience centers where someone is there,” Grissom said. “They’re gonna go to these containers that aren’t manned, there’s just no way to prevent it.”
The bid that was rejected on Monday was the only bid the county received. This bid was submitted by Priority Waste Services.
