Bulloch County Commissioners put the brakes on changes to solid waste dumpster sites across the county after approving a FY 2027 budget that removed funding tied to proposed changes.
The 4-3 budget vote on June 18 reversed the course from previous decisions made earlier in the budget process. An earlier proposal and edited version of the draft budget would have funded a transition to manned trash collection sites and additional staffing for the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office. Instead, commissioners adopted a $76.25 million budget that reverted to the version initially proposed by county staff before the additions were made.
Proposal to Close Sites, Shift to Manned Centers
In May, county staff presented a plan to address rising costs, abuse of unmanned collection centers, illegal dumping and difficulties balancing overtime for staff.
The proposal called for closing 10 convenience centers and staffing the remaining sites, which would operate on alternating schedules and limited hours. Residents would eventually be required to verify county residency before using the facilities.
County officials said the changes were intended to reduce costs and improve accountability at the sites. Staff recommended eliminating ten centers based on usage, coverage areas, location, and expansion potential. The budget impact was expected to be neutral.
The public responded to the decision with pushback, mostly about accessibility, concerns of dumping on road sides, and the distance between sites in the rural portions of the county.
Proposal for All Sites to Remain Open, Be Manned
During a June 9 budget hearing, commissioners approved additional funding to move forward with staffing all 18 operating trash sites and keeping them open on alternating days. The exact cost was unknown as the proposal was intertwined with a staffing request from the Sheriff’s Office for six new positions, all of which equaled a combined total of $1.5 million.
Budget Adoption
But after a week of public feedback and renewed debate among commissioners, the board reversed course during the final budget adoption meeting. Commissioner Toby Conner moved to pull the funding for Sheriff’s Office and the manned trash sites and revert back to the budget as advertised.
The motion passed in a 4-3 vote with Conner, Mosley, and Simmons in favor and Davis, Newkirk, and Rushing opposed. with Chairman David Bennett broke the tie.
Conner said if Commissioners are going to make changes to the trash sites, they need to take their time.
So, for now, county leaders are holding off on any changes to the convenience centers and they will remain unmanned.
