Mayors and residents urge county to reconsider solid waste changes as commission approves revised contract

Residents from multiple towns urged the Lawrence County Commission on Monday to reconsider a revised solid waste contract, saying the county’s approach risks penalizing entire towns for individual unpaid bills.

"You can't hold the whole town accountable for that," said Ryan Ev, mayor of North Courtland, during the public-comment period, accusing the county of "picking on" Courtland and North Courtland over trash pickup enforcement and warning he is prepared to pursue litigation if the issue is not fixed. "If we can't fix it now, then hey, I see y'all in court."

Scotty Bale of Hillsboro told the commission Hillsboro pays its fees and "doesn't need a doctor" to fix a system he said is not broken, and asked why his town was included in the new contract. An unnamed resident asked why the county terminated a previous firm that tracked pickups and suggested the county should work with municipalities rather than imposing a new arrangement.

The public comments preceded a motion to add the revised solid waste contract—reviewed at a prior work session—to the meeting agenda. After discussion, commissioners moved, seconded and voted to approve the contract. Commissioners noted the contract can be amended later if municipalities request specific changes.

The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting transcript; the decision was made by voice vote. County attorney Thompson told commissioners amendments could be entertained at a subsequent meeting if municipalities ask for changes.

The issue is likely to return to the commission if municipalities request specific contract changes or if mayors pursue the legal remedies mentioned during public comment.