Pike County commits $24,000 to regional anti‑litter initiative

Pike County Fiscal Court voted Wednesday to commit $2,000 a month for 12 months — $24,000 total — to the Center for Rural Development in Somerset to help start a regional anti‑litter initiative alongside Floyd and Perry counties.

The motion was made by Commissioner Lewis and seconded by Commissioner Scott; the roll call showed unanimous approval. Judge Jones led the discussion describing persistent litter at trailheads and illegal dumps and urging an education component aimed at children in schools.

Court members said the Center for Rural Development would administer the program while they hope Congressman Rogers pursues additional funding. Judge Jones said the effort grew from previous programs that no longer receive funding and that the initiative will begin with one staff member at the center. He described an example in which an illegal dump cleanup inspected by the state was re‑desecrated within days as evidence of the need for sustained outreach and enforcement.

Court members discussed enforcement and collection issues: citations are issued, and the county has installed cameras in problem areas, but judges and commissioners said education is needed to change behaviors. Judge Jones also linked littering to unpaid garbage bills and repeated incidents of out‑of‑county dumping near county dumpsters.

Court documents provided at the meeting authorize the treasurer to issue payment to the Center for Rural Development; the motion did not specify additional program details, deliverables, or a County contact beyond payment authorization. Commissioners said they expected the Center and Congressman Rogers to seek supplemental funding, but no external grant awards or matching funds were detailed at the meeting.

The court approved the payment authorization by roll call vote with Commissioner Scott, Commissioner Atkins, Commissioner Lewis and Judge Jones recorded as voting yes.