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Resident tells commission yard‑waste contract is burdensome; commissioners defend year‑long plan
Summary
A resident, identified in the transcript as Mister Schwanwer, told commissioners the county's new yard‑waste contract (one‑year minimum at $8/month) is unfair for infrequent users; Commissioner Byrd defended the contract as necessary to ensure pickup capacity across the year.
During the public‑comment portion of the Houston County commission meeting, a resident identified in the transcript as Mister Schwanwer of Kathleen criticized a new yard‑waste contract that requires a one‑year minimum payment (stated in the transcript as $8 per month, $96 per year). He said single pickups should be billed individually and called the current structure effectively a tax; he also raised concerns about a poorly repaired pothole on Highway 247 and broader local development patterns along Highway 96.
Commissioner Byrd responded in the meeting, saying the county deliberately chose a model that gives users a choice between an all‑inclusive plan and a user‑selected service. Byrd said the year‑long contract ensures equipment and route availability across peak months (April–May) and slower months (October–February), and he said he would stand behind the board's decision. The chair added that Highway 247 is a state route (Georgia Department of Transportation responsibility) and said staff could provide GDOT contact information.
