Bluff City residents press council about 95-gallon trash cans; board says cans arrived but distribution logistics unresolved

Residents at the meeting pressed the Bluff City board for clarity on the town's purchase and distribution of large curbside trash cans, and the town manager said the cans were ordered without the board specifying color and that staff are working on distribution logistics.

Multiple residents raised the trash-can issue during public comment, asking when the new 95-gallon cans would be delivered to households and why the town had not posted distribution details publicly. One commenter said the cans have been at a town facility since October and asked when citizens would receive them. Another raised concerns that the contracted hauler (identified in comment as Cox) could reduce its crew size when automated pickup with the new cans is implemented, potentially eliminating local jobs.

Town staff responded that the board had previously approved the purchase but had not selected a color; the cans were ordered and have been paid for. The town manager said the procurement created a logistical problem that staff were addressing and offered to look into and provide a delivery date. Alderman Malone said serial numbers and registration would be used to link cans to households and indicated the board intends to establish rules around can usage and registration.

Nut graf: The purchase is complete, but distribution, registration and implementation details — including how automated pickup will operate on narrow streets and how potential workforce impacts will be handled — remain under review.

Ending: Town staff said they will provide a follow-up on timing and logistics; the board discussed a future ordinance or registration process to track cans and address theft or misuse.