VALDOSTA — After several weeks of compiling citizen suggestions of the Lowndes County Solid Waste Management Plan and careful consideration by staff on various proposals, Lowndes County will initiate a process beginning July 1 for residents to dispose their household waste to ensure a smooth transition, accompanied by public solid waste education, to user fees that will go into effect Sept. 1.

As for the solid waste management plan, County Manager Joe Pritchard said “After careful consideration of suggested options related to convenience, cost, and efficiency, officials charged staff with a second round of research.

“Currently, staff is in the process of collecting additional data in an effort to present the Commission with a second proposal, based on the recommendations of citizens. While staff and officials alike would prefer to offer multiple solutions tailored to each specific request, the solid waste market indicates that one, county wide solution, will result in a more cost effective plan for unincorporated residents,” continued Pritchard.

“It is imperative to remember that while taking into consideration suggestions for improvement, any approved plan must be user fee based in accordance with requirements set forth by House Bill 489. Further, residents of Hahira, Remerton, Dasher Lake Park, and Valdosta fund solid waste management in their cities through each city’s respective plan,” Pritchard stated.

Accordingly, Lowndes County cannot legally use funds provided by SPLOST or property tax dollars collected from the county wide digest to cover the cost for solid waste management in Lowndes County, as some have suggested.

“As of July 1, 2008, Lowndes County must take the necessary steps to also ensure that unincorporated residents are not funding a program that is being utilized by residents residing in incorporated areas and/or areas outside the limits of Lowndes County,” said Pritchard.

“To initiate this process, beginning July 1, residents wishing to dispose of household waste at Lowndes County recycling centers will be asked to show proof of county residency prior to disposal of waste. Currently, proof of residency will be the only change implemented to the current plan; however, a plan resulting in user fees is expected to be fully in place by Sept. 1, 2008. It is the intent of Lowndes County to make the transition to user fees as convenient for residents as possible. Prior to September 1, an extensive public education campaign will be implemented in an effort to inform those residing in unincorporated Lowndes County of the new plan.”

• Also, a large group of Lowndes County volunteer firefighters and citizens attended the regular session on Tuesday, presided over by Vice Chair Edgar Roberts, in support of a petition read by Lowndes County Volunteer Firefighter Grady Blankenship in reference to the “unjust firing and subsequent forced resignation” of former Fire Chief Jim Fielding. As many shook their heads in agreement in the audience, Blankenship described how the continuous leadership of Fielding had made the Lowndes County Fire Department “paid or volunteer” what it is today.

“... It would be much easier to replace County Manager Joe Pritchard than will be to replace Jim Fielding,” said Blankenship in a portion of the petition read aloud. The petition received a standing ovation from most in attendance with continued applause from the volunteer firefighters until asked to be seated by presiding Vice Chair Roberts.

• Linda Bennett of Lake Park also spoke during the citizens to be heard portion of the meeting with concerns about a business possibly coming to the Lake Park community. “The bar is catering to migrant workers three doors down from the YMCA, where children will be, and a small neighborhood exists behind the location,” said Bennett. “We already have problems and call the police about their disturbances. This will be a further disturbance to the community."

• During the meeting, Roberts honored the presence of Judge H.Arthur “Mac” McLane before discussing conditions of the proposed fourth floor change order of the Judicial Complex. The agenda was amended to add a change order for the fourth floor of the Judicial Complex due to the pending expiration of the price provided by the contractor. The amount of the change order is $2,689,344 and will provide the build-out of the fourth floor to include an elevator, security system infrastructure, and finish work. The order was approved 2-1, with Commissioner Richard Lee opposed.

• The National Association of Counties (NACO) prescription plan program that could possibly save Lowndes County residents 20-23 percent on prescription medications was unanimously approved. Already being utilized by 983 counties, the program should take 60-90 days to implement. For more information, interested citizens may contact the County Clerk’s office at 229-671-2400.

• During the discussion of appointments to the Valdosta/Lowndes County Zoning Board of Appeals, Gretchen Quarterman and Dr. Willie Houseal were unanimously approved to the board.

The following items were also reviewed for consideration:

• Resolution adopting the FY 2009 operating budget and FY 2008-2009 budget for all funds other than the operating budget; unanimously approved.