County struggles with fee hikes to solve solid waste negatives

In special called session, the Lewis County Solid Waste Committee convened Monday to review yet another proposal that would prevent Lewis County's Solid Waste Department from dropping into the red in coming months.

Attending were committee members Bill Dyer, Larry Hensley, Jim Grinder, Aren Ragsdale and Allison Tanner, along with Mayor Jonah Keltner, Sandra Collins, State Senator Dr. Joey Hensley and newly hired Solid Waste Director Bradley Loveless.

Other commissioners attending were Patrick Halfacre and Brian Peery. Citizens attending were Jason Drum and Jay Pollock.

An increase in tipping fees due to the closure of the Decatur County landfill has caused the solid waste budget to be out of balance. Beginning earlier this year, Lewis County's household waste began going to Lewisburg at a higher rate.

For comparison, Mayor Keltner presented invoices to the committee showing in April 2019 Lewis County paid United Waste Haulers of Tennessee $21,554.52 to deliver trash. In April 2020, Lewis County was charged $33,752.78 for trash removal.

"We've gotta make up something overnight to fix it," Mr. Loveless told the committee.

Lewis County Solid Waste Department has worked diligently to collect delinquent fees, remarking they are at the lowest they have been at approximately $40,000, just for the current year.

A leveled fee schedule which listed each business in Lewis County was presented (see a copy of the list at http://www.lewisherald.com).

Mr. Loveless recommended Lewis County invest in a set of scales that would allow employees the ability to weigh trash brought to the landfill. Residents who are current on their Solid Waste fees would be allowed a specified amount before incurring any extra charges.

The goal would be to more fairly distribute the expense of excess trash received locally.

A perfect example was given by Mr. Pollock who stated he was in Hickman County last week tearing down a building for someone. When the Hickman County landfill wanted to charge him to dump the refuse, he told the committee how he brought it to Lewis County where he was able to dispose of it at no charge.

Recycling was discussed and a plan is underway to expand those options for Lewis County, Commissioner Tanner said.

Adding all business license holders to the commercial rate chart was proposed, which would include home based businesses.

Commissioners are expected to vote on fee hikes and other funding options Monday, May 18 when the Board of Commissioners meet at the EOC on Oak Street.