Sheriff accuses resident of creating illegal dump; court says new ordinance and grants will aid cleanup

Sheriff Kirk addressed the court on Feb. 15, 2024 and said a dump on Big Lake Branch is on private property he attributed to Steven ("Johnny Steven Kirk") and his sister, and estimated cleanup and disposal costs could reach approximately $31,000. "This is a dump that they created on their own," the sheriff said, and urged that the county not use taxpayer funds unfairly to clean private properties repeatedly.

Judge and other court members responded that an ordinance the court passed previously (the exact ordinance name was not specified in the meeting record) will take effect April 1 and includes provisions for a civil fines board to address private‑property litter, dilapidated structures and tires. Judge said the ordinance targets private property and that, once effective, code enforcement or the civil board will have authority to cite property owners who create health hazards. "If you look at the language in that ordinance, you'll see that private property is the biggest thing that is targeted," Judge said.

Members also discussed grant funding the county has received to remove illegal dump sites and noted that grant money is earmarked for specific uses; the sheriff and several magistrates urged offering more accessible disposal options for residents — such as periodic free drop‑off days at transfer centers — to reduce illegal dumping. Magistrates and staff noted the county must provide a 25% local match on some grants and that insurance may cover some storm‑related cleanup costs.

The court did not take immediate enforcement action in the meeting but said it will rely on the forthcoming ordinance and the civil fines board to pursue citations and remediation once the ordinance is in effect. Several members stressed the need for public education and recurring collection opportunities to reduce long‑term illegal dumping.