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Commission hears staffing and enforcement options as weekend convenience-center use surges
Summary
County staff reported weekend convenience-center tonnage growth and confrontations with users; commissioners asked staff to study cameras, lights, staffing increases and punch-card or sticker systems used in other counties before returning with cost and enforcement options.
Public-works director John McDonnell told the commission that weekend convenience-center tonnage rose sharply after reopening. He said the first weekend produced just under 50 tons, recent typical weekends range from the 60s to mid-70s of tons, and one weekend peaked at about 140.5 tons.
McDonnell warned that the current crew cannot reliably staff all six sites and described repeated confrontations between staff and residents who brought prohibited materials. "The crew that we have now working every weekend is not enough to do those things," he said, noting staffing shortages, growing volume and an attendant risk of employee attrition.
Commissioners discussed enforcement and revenue options: adding lights and cameras to improve safety and discourage illegal dumping; contracting additional staff or sheriff’s-office assistance for enforcement; and testing a punch-card or sticker system (citations were made to LaGrange/Troup County models where users must present a paid card). One commissioner suggested the punch-card revenue could help fund staffing.
Staff agreed to gather pricing for lights, cameras and punch-card administration and to return with options and estimated costs. Commissioners emphasized protecting employees and minimizing traffic backups at busy sites.
The commission did not adopt a specific enforcement policy at the meeting; instead members asked staff to present costed options for consideration at a future meeting.
