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Candler County commissioners vote 3-2 to deny transfer of landfill site after public outcry
Summary
The Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to deny transfer of the county landfill parcel (MSWL 021-006D) to the county Solid Waste Management Authority after public comment raised property-value, health and traffic concerns; the board also approved a $23,000 consulting contract for landfill engineering services.
Chairman Brad Jones and two other commissioners voted on Jan. 5 to deny a proposed transfer of the Candler County landfill site (MSWL 021-006D) to the Candler County Solid Waste Management Authority, a motion that carried 3-2 following public comments opposing expansion.
The vote followed remarks by Vice-Chairman Blake Hendrix and Commissioner Jonathan Williamson that stressed adherence to formal public-hearing processes. Chairman Jones said the board weighed potential revenue against concerns including increased truck traffic and the scale of any future facility, and encouraged residents to attend budget workshops and public hearings. Commissioner David Morales urged constituents to “trust but verify,” saying the board acts in the community’s best interest.
Several residents urged the commissioners to reject expansion during the public-comment period. Rodney McClain told the board a landfill expansion could depress farm values and urged pursuit of alternative revenue sources. Terri Bland cited possible health risks — naming methane, ammonia and known carcinogens — and referenced consumer ratings of Atlantic Waste. Grady Franklin read a published letter opposing expansion, and Alexis Rigdon described personal experiences living near other landfills and raised groundwater and infrastructure concerns.
Separately, the board unanimously approved a professional-services proposal from Hodges, Harbin, Newberry & Tribble, Inc. for 2026 consulting at a proposed cost of $23,000 to be paid from general operating funds. The scope listed in the firm’s proposal includes coordination of groundwater and stormwater sampling required by the landfill’s solid-waste and NPDES permits, assistance with methane monitoring, annual capacity and closure-cost updates, preparation of minor permit modifications, and on-call support for operations.
The meeting record shows the landfill-transfer denial motion was made by Chairman Jones and seconded by Commissioner Morales and carried 3-2, with Jones, Tre' Ross and Morales voting in favor and Vice-Chairman Hendrix and Commissioner Williamson opposed. The subsequent vote to hire Hodges, Harbin, Newberry & Tribble carried 5-0.
The board indicated the transfer matter is concluded for now; Chairman Jones told residents the formal process for any landfill expansion had not begun and urged continued public participation in future hearings and workshops.
