JEKYLL ISLAND — Lowndes County Board of Commissioners and staff discussed issues about trash on its second day of retreat at Jekyll Island.

In reference to solid-waste management, County Manager Joe Pritchard said, “A change must be made due to the fact that the service is currently being funded by solid waste host fees, not property tax dollars. The amount Lowndes County is receiving from the fees is not covering the cost of providing the service.”

Pritchard stated, “At the next regular meeting of the commission, staff will provide details regarding streamlining the efficiency of the operation as well as implementing a public education recycling program, curbside options and a payment system that will support the cost of the service. Additional benefits will include a concentrated effort to deter waste disposal by those who are not citizens of Lowndes County. Currently, Lowndes County does not plan to close any more recycling centers as part of revamping the solid waste management program.”

A review of the county’s solid-waste management was given by Kevin Beals. The objectives of the solid waste management plan is to provide an efficient, economical, and customer-friendly method of refuse collection, recycling, and disposal services and reduce the volume of the solid-waste stream through the implementation of waste reduction and recycling programs. According to Beals, the highest percentage of waste disposal comes from the industrial service area, at 38 percent.

Commissioners were also very concerned about keeping the appearance of Lowndes County neat and tidy, especially at the gateways to Lowndes County, including the exits on Interstate 75 and entering Georgia from Florida.

“I want all the entry points into the county to look like an American city, and the exits properly mowed and landscaped. Also, have new Lowndes County signs around the community,” said Commissioner J. Edgar Roberts.

Following the discussion concerning maintenance of entry points to the county, Robin English introduced potential welcome signs as a unique part of the county to express a warm welcome and announce accomplishments including Valdosta State University national championships and Lowndes High School’s recent football championship.

Fire Chief Jim Fielding updated commissioners about Lowndes County Fire Rescue and goals for continued fire services, which include constructing a central warehouse behind headquarters, replace three fire apparatus, hire a full-time firefighting staff to operate Station 10 on a 24-hour/365-day basis in accordance with National Fire Protection Association requirements, and replace all radio tower cables that have been utilized for 20 years.

The goals completed include replacing two older fire engines and adding two (paid) firefighters per year.

Contrary to belief, volunteer firefighters are the highest paid in the state and also receive benefits, according to Pritchard. Another goal of the county is to move towards having a complete full-time fire staff with a reserved staff for all stations.

Fielding shared the success of the Lowndes County Fire Rescue Prevention program, which served 4,856 juveniles during the year. The fire-prevention program has proven so successful that it has been extended from a week to an entire month.

During a review of the county’s Public Works Department, Robin English gave a presentation of the road-maintenance costs by district, which is $1,543,263 for District 3 (Carter), $1,434,389 for District 2 (Lee), and $513,067 for District 1 (Roberts). According to English, the construction projects completed within each district are all completed by only 15 employees of the 108 public works positions.

Also Friday, County Engineer Mike Fletcher provided commissioners with an overview of the status of the Engineering Department. Facility construction consists of the Judicial Complex with completion slated for December 2008, Bemiss III Fire Station with completion slated for June 2008, Emergency Operations Center slated to be completed September 2008, Administrative Building slated to be complete August 2008, and Phase II of the jail construction is scheduled to be completed in May 2008. Also, Fletcher discussed the construction of a Firearms Training Facility, which may be located at or close to Grassy Pond.

“We have a new proposed paving list for approximately $24 million of SPLOST VI revenue. Of the $24 million, we’ll be doing resurfacing, bridge replacements, conventional paving, and surface treatment of approximately 40 miles of existing dirt roads,” said Fletcher.