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Commissioners discuss possible cancellation of Live Oak Environmental franchise after missed pickups; no action taken
Summary
Live Oak Environmental acknowledged multiple missed trash pickups and communication problems during a May 12 discussion with Houston County commissioners; the company’s general manager said drivers will call about road issues and the court took no action.
Houston County commissioners on May 12 discussed whether to cancel a solid-waste franchise with Live Oak Environmental after commissioners raised repeated missed trash pickups and communication issues.
Sonny Hubbard, representing Live Oak Environmental, told the Court the company considers Houston County among its top customers and said it wants to keep the business. Commissioners described multiple missed collections and emphasized a need for better field-to-office communications.
Joe Carter, general manager of Live Oak Environmental, acknowledged the communication problems and said staff were working to improve practices. When commissioners asked whether drivers could phone the county about road conditions rather than sending emails, Carter said, "absolutely." The minutes record that the company cited communication as a primary issue and that management will work on fixes.
No formal action — including cancellation of the franchise agreement — was taken at the meeting. The minutes record discussion during or after a closed executive session on franchise-related legal consultation, but the public record in the minutes lists only the acknowledgement of missed pickups and the company's stated intention to improve communications.
Next steps: The minutes do not record a directive or a vote to terminate the franchise. Commissioners discussed the issue and may place the item on a future agenda if concerns persist.
