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Russell County supervisors weigh closing three open-top trash sites to save an estimated $140,000
Summary
Supervisors discussed consolidating several open-top convenience sites into a manned Putnam compactor site; staff estimated annual operating savings of about $140,000 but members raised concerns about travel for rural residents, traffic and illegal dumping.
Russell County supervisors spent substantial time on June 24 debating whether to close three open-top convenience sites and consolidate operations at a manned compactor site in Putnam.
County staff and budget-committee members told the board that closing Old Grove, Finney and Drill open-top sites and shifting to one consolidated compactor site could save approximately $140,000 annually "based off the volume, the number of runs, the total of fuel, and manpower to operate," Alonzo said.
Supporters argued a manned compactor site would reduce out-of-county dumping, raise compaction rates (increasing capacity from roughly two tons in an open top to 10–12 tons when compacted) and reduce trips and fuel use. A proposed Putnam site was described as flat, fenced and better suited for compactors if three-phase power were available.
Opponents and some supervisors warned of practical problems for rural and elderly residents who rely on nearby convenience sites, citing long, curvy roads and limited vehicle capacity for hauling trash. Several supervisors also warned that abrupt closures could increase roadside dumping if alternate hours or public notices were not coordinated.
"If you close Drill and move to Putnam and make it a compactor site, you're going to have less trash because it's compacted," one supervisor said. Another asked for a 60- to 90-day implementation window and public notice so residents could plan.
Staff also discussed potential revenue offsets from raising tipping fees to match neighboring counties; draft numbers discussed at the meeting included tentative fees of about $80 for regular services and $100 for tires and an estimate that fee changes could bring $40,000–$45,000 annually.
The board directed staff to run detailed financials, consider extending hours on remaining sites during winter daylight hours, and bring a draft ordinance and public-hearing schedule to the July 6 meeting.
(Reporting note: precise votes on site closures were not taken; the board asked staff to return with detailed cost/revenue projections and public-notice plans.)
