Residents say Wolf Creek/Buffalo Valley convenience site removal left few options; commission refers issue to Public Works

Residents from the Wolf Creek and Buffalo Valley communities urged DeKalb County commissioners to restore an unmanned south‑county convenience (wayside) disposal site after it was removed. The commission voted to refer the matter to the Public Works department for study and potential replacement.

Brandon Foster, speaking for the Wolf Creek/Buffalo Valley community, said he had reviewed public records and spoken with county staff about the site’s removal and could not find a recorded easement. Foster told the commission that, if the state or another party did not hold a recorded easement, the property’s status was unclear and the county should explore options including adverse possession or locating a replacement on county land. He also said elderly residents now must drive more than 12 miles to dispose of waste and that the removal occurred with little community notice.

Commissioners and staff said the site had been removed after illegal dumping and that some sites remain grandfathered. Commissioner Larry Green moved to refer the matter to the county’s Public Works department to identify replacement options and possible county land for a convenience site, and Myron Rody seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote.

County officials and speakers discussed the need to check deed records, state right‑of‑way easements (TDOT), and the potential to locate a larger parcel that could support both a convenience site and, in the long term, a possible fire station. The Public Works referral will allow staff to investigate site ownership, possible locations and costs and to report back to the commission.