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Sevier County Solid Waste committee discusses scale purchase, rollout timeline and fee concerns
Summary
At a May 4 meeting, the Sevier County Solid Waste Special Committee reviewed estimates to buy a vehicle weighing scale ($60,000 equipment only; $90,000–$100,000 installed), outlined a multi‑week rollout for compactors and scales, and debated whether to charge fees amid concerns about illegal dumping and stormwater contamination.
Vice Mayor Bryan McCarter called the Sevier County Solid Waste Special Committee to order at 3:39 p.m. on May 4 in Courtroom 100E and provided members a written summary and action plan from the previous meeting.
Dan King, Sevier County director of solid waste, told the committee the county had received price estimates for a vehicle weighing scale: roughly $60,000 for equipment alone or an estimated $90,000–$100,000 including installation. McCarter said staff are also arranging deliveries of new trash compactors and that operational steps are tied to an upcoming Fire Chief Association meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 23.
Why it matters: a scale and compactors will change how waste is received and tracked at the new site, and the committee must decide whether to charge users — a choice that could affect compliance, revenue and enforcement needs.
McCarter gave a tentative timetable: compactors are expected in about 6–8 weeks; the weighing scale should arrive in roughly 3–4 weeks with about one week needed for installation. He relayed that Mayor Waters, who did not attend the meeting, asked him to tell the committee the mayor is not in favor of charging a fee at the new site because of payment logistics.
Commissioner Mike Chambers asked what the site’s operating hours would be. McCarter and King said they are reviewing options and will present a recommendation to the committee. Commissioner Warren Hurst asked what the cost per ton would be; McCarter said the Finance Department is examining the county budget to determine a per‑ton price.
Doyle Clabo, Sevier County director of stormwater, cautioned that imposing a fee or situating the site where some residents could not or would not pay might push people to dump waste in unauthorized locations, increasing the risk of stormwater contamination. McCarter said staff are looking into illegal dumping fines, convenience‑center rules and a possible maximum number of bags allowed per person per day as part of the site’s policy framework.
The committee did not adopt any fees or final operating rules during the meeting. Commissioner Ronnie Whaley moved to adjourn; Commissioner Warren Hurst seconded and the meeting adjourned at 4:13 p.m. The committee left the next meeting date TBD and directed staff to return with recommendations on hours, enforcement options and budgetary estimates for per‑ton charges.
What’s next: staff follow‑ups on operating hours, enforcement mechanisms and a Finance Department estimate of a per‑ton fee are expected to return to the committee for further consideration.
