Hickman County approves solid-waste fee increases and new commercial charges to shore up services

HICKMAN COUNTY, Tenn. — The Hickman County legislative body on May 26 approved two resolutions (2618 and 2619) to adjust long-standing solid-waste fees and add a commercial charge, measures sponsors said are necessary to sustain collection services amid rising costs.

Jordan Sachs, who appeared in the record as leading solid-waste operations, and several commissioners argued the department faces higher diesel, labor and equipment costs and that fee increases had not been made in decades. Resolution 2618 (amendments to existing fee resolutions) passed with a roll-call tally recorded in the minutes as 11 yes, one no, one absent.

Resolution 2619 authorizes a business/commercial fee described in the discussion as roughly $110 to $120 annually and raises the tipping fee to $100 per ton. Commissioner Gianis said the initial look at a $120 fee was adjusted in committee to $110 in order to reduce impact on businesses; proponents argued the changes would both preserve service levels and increase accountability in how solid-waste is funded. Resolution 2619 passed by roll call (11 yes, one no, two absent).

Supporters said the solid-waste office has improved collections and enforcement, but that the fee increases are necessary to avoid service degradation or shifting costs into the general fund via property taxes. One commissioner said he had been reluctant to raise fees historically because collection compliance was low, but that improved collection rates under current management changed the calculus.

Both resolutions were presented in the budget packet and discussed at length before the votes. The minutes record sponsors, debate, and the final tally for each measure.