Houston County Commission advances sanitation policy updates, new $10 monthly fee for extra cans

The Houston County Commission discussed a package of sanitation policy updates on a proposed timeline and fee schedule. Chair outlined the changes and said the county would explicitly document credit-card service fees in the sanitation policy while clarifying those fees were already being collected: "We're statutory statutorily. We're well within our our rights to to charge that fee," the Chair said, noting the change is procedural rather than an immediate price increase.

Commissioners heard that new recurring charges would apply to additional containers. "If you have an additional can, you're gonna be charged $10 more per month," the Chair said. County staff (Stacy) said current second-can customers — roughly 2,832 accounts — will be grandfathered for one year and that the county "won't recognize any revenue until 10/01/2027." The commission also reviewed proposed bulk-trash rates (minimum load $75, half truck $50, full truck $225; yard debris similar) and a $400 minimum for contractor-generated loads intended to encourage contractors to secure private dumpsters. Chair said projected sanitation revenue of $3,890,000 versus projected expenses over $4,000,000 required the adjustments.

The item was moved onto the meeting agenda with no sustained objection recorded during placement. The discussion also covered challenges collecting from mobile-home parks and proposals to require appropriately sized on-site dumpsters to reduce roadside dumping. The commission signaled possible follow-up, including pursuing a local bill next year to address outstanding statutory issues and collection mechanics.