The Mason County Fiscal Court held its regular meeting on May 14, 2024, addressing several key issues, including the approval of a litter fence project and updates on solid waste management.

One of the primary discussions centered around the approval of a litter fence, which is expected to span approximately 2,400 to 2,500 feet. The court members expressed support for financing options, including the possibility of securing a loan to fund the project. After a motion was made and seconded, the court unanimously approved the litter fence initiative.

Additionally, the court received updates on the county's solid waste management efforts. The Solid Waste Director reported that in April, the county collected a total of 382.93 tons of waste. The recycling program also showed progress, with 57,100 pounds of materials collected in May, including a significant load of cardboard. The court acknowledged the contributions of local schools in promoting recycling efforts.

The meeting also covered property abatement and illegal dumping issues. The court discussed two specific properties requiring remediation, including the Minerva School site, which was heavily damaged by a tornado. A quote for cleanup costs is anticipated to be around $6,000. The court is awaiting further communication from property owners regarding necessary repairs.

In terms of garbage collection, the court reported 2,857 charges for amounts payable in April, totaling nearly $38,000. The Mason County Detention Center's involvement in community service was highlighted, with inmates contributing over 7,200 hours of labor, saving the county approximately $72,000.

Overall, the meeting underscored the court's commitment to improving waste management and addressing community concerns regarding litter and property maintenance. The next steps include finalizing financing for the litter fence and continuing efforts to remediate properties in need of attention.