County Forms Committee To Explore Additional Trash Pickup Options

District two magistrate Corey Vanmeter spoke at Fiscal Court on Monday April 8, 2019 regarding trash pickup within the county.

Moriah Peterson, story and photos:
District two magistrate Corey Vanmeter led a discussion at Fiscal Court on Monday April 8, 2019 regarding the county's trash collection options. Magistrate Vanmeter said that during his campaign many locals stated their concerns with trash pickup within the county. He added that the people of Edmonson County deserve an answer as to why the county can't provide trash pickup like other counties do.

Judge Executive Wil Cannon stated that the county will need to determine the costs of providing trash pickup to decide whether it is a prudent decision for the county.

During Fiscal Court Judge Cannon stated that the county follows a state required Solid Waste Plan Agreement and the data must be accurate for that plan.

Magistrate Vanmeter made a motion to form a committee devoted to research trash pickup options for Edmonson County residents. The motion was seconded by district three magistrate Clark Wood and all magistrates voted yes to approve the committee. Committee volunteers include: district two magistrate Corey Vanmeter, District one magistrate Mark Meeks, District three Magistrate Clark Wood, District six magistrate James Vincent, Judge Executive Wil Cannon, and Treasurer Tammi Whilhite.

A call to the Judge Executive's office later Monday afternoon confirmed that the County must have a franchise trash pickup agreement in order to follow the state required Solid Waste Plan Agreement. The county also receives multiple benefits for following the state Solid Waste Plan. The county receives $1.00 from every Scott Waste customer per month which adds up to be between $42,000-$46,000 per year. The county also receives a $25,000 state grant which funds the county litter abatement program. Another benefit is that the county receives a grant for solid waste tire removal.

Costs for the county to begin trash pickup is already estimated to be over $1 million in trucks alone but research is ongoing and the committee is set to meet on April 22nd to assign research areas for committee members.