White County moves to expand convenience‑center capacity and consider extended hours as landfill shifts

County staff updated commissioners that Castle (one of the county’s convenience centers) will open six days a week to relieve pressure while the new county convenience‑center permit is processed by TDEC. Staff described a proposed permanent U‑shaped layout for the new site and said TDEC has not approved a temporary facility inside the permanent footprint (staff will seek a recheck).

The committee discussed operational options to manage increased traffic from redirected customers and future trucks returning to the county under the private‑operator agreement. Options included extending hours at the Quebec convenience center and reallocating existing employees to cover the busiest shifts. Staff said they could cover some shifts by shifting the current workforce; adding full additional days or hours could require hiring one part‑time or full‑time attendant, and commissioners voted to send a recommendation to Budget to examine funding for extra staff if needed.

Public commenters reported improvement in cleanliness where community service workers operate, but some convenience‑center employees and citizens said a few community service workers were not productive at certain centers. Staff said they would address performance complaints with probation authorities and site supervisors.

On recycling, staff described a plan to use a regional MRF (material‑recovery facility) in Nashville operated by the private partner to accept single‑stream recyclables in bulk containers, noting the primary intent is to free landfill space; staff said it likely will not produce substantial net revenue but would help capacity management.

The committee approved a motion to recommend budget consideration for staffing or equipment changes (voice vote).