Citizens press Louisburg council for clearer costs and options after change to waste collection policy

Louisburg ' Several residents urged the Louisburg Town Council during the October meeting to revisit the town's solid'waste collection policy and to provide clearer cost data and options for residents who need assistance with curbside service.

Joyce Neff, 203 John Street, praised the council for preserving local trash crews and asked that the town not outsource collection. "My tract is picked up on time, and we're about the only town where they do go in the backyard to pick up the trash can if necessary, and I think that's something pretty special," Neff said. She added that any change should consider how local sanitation workers would be affected and reiterated concerns about affordable housing for workers.

Ray Staff, a Sunset Avenue resident who reviewed recent council actions, said the council adopted a resolution Aug. 12 to implement an updated solid'waste policy for a 12'month trial, but that the council later reverted to the previous policy after citizen complaints. He asked the council to provide transparently tabulated unsubsidized costs for each pickup option and to solicit resident feedback. "I was shocked to see town council abandon an opportunity at least to consider a more efficient and cost effective waste management policy," Staff said.

Why it matters: Commenters said the most vulnerable residents could be harmed by a switch to a curbside'only model if no assistance or subsidized options exist. Staff urged the council to consider targeted solutions such as an optional paid service to roll cans to the curb, a volunteer program to assist those who cannot move cans, or a subsidy for low'income residents.

Specific requests and background: Staff asked the council to publish a mailed cost comparison showing unsubsidized costs for backyard pickup, curbside pickup and additional-can fees and to solicit resident preferences through a coded response and a follow'up town hall. He noted that many nearby towns use once'a'week curbside collection and charge for extra carts. Neff urged the council to prioritize local employment when evaluating any change.

Council action and status: The transcript shows the council previously discussed and later reversed a proposed policy change; at the October meeting residents asked the council to reopen a structured discussion with full cost transparency and resident input before making further changes.

Ending: Residents asked that any permanent change to collection policy be accompanied by clear cost accounting, options for residents with mobility limitations, and a public engagement process before the council adopts a final plan.