Board weighs closing low-use convenience center to fund automated compactors and 24-hour access

Nottoway County supervisors debated closing the lightly used Genetto Road convenience center and consolidating service at the busier ‘‘723’’ site to reduce personnel and operating costs and fund a pilot automated-compactor program.

Supervisor Rourke told members the Genetto Road site carries a roughly $4,000-per-year lease and is among the least-used centers. Rourke and other board members said savings generated by closing that site could be redirected into a pilot for automated card-access compactors that would provide 24-hour service and include camera systems to track vehicle entries. One presenter estimated annual savings from consolidation at roughly $60,000–$70,000, citing reductions in personnel and phone costs.

Board members discussed two implementation approaches: (1) pay out the remaining lease and remove staff and equipment over time, or (2) close the site immediately and continue monthly lease payments until contract expiration. Cost estimates for a fully automated system were discussed during the meeting with one speaker referencing an initial industry price around $100,000 and a later figure near $250,000; members repeatedly cautioned those figures are preliminary and must be confirmed. Supporters argued the system could pay for itself in about three years; critics raised concerns about access for residents who live farther from consolidated sites and the potential for nonresidents to use facilities.

Members also noted enforcement, camera retention, and user-tag systems could permit the county to deactivate access for households delinquent on taxes. The board directed staff to collect lease details, determine buyout costs, get RFPs for automated systems, and include the topic in next week’s business packet for further consideration.