First of all I sent a request into the Editor, Stepanie, for a correction to my original post signed off as Brad White?, which is incorrect, it is Charles White. Then, as far as Ricky Stevens comments he basically failed to ask the Supervisors, individually, if there was any Free Pickups of Garbage, or any illegal Landfills in the County. I suggest that Ricky go back and try again so we will have their response on record, for Transparency and Accountability. Like I stated, Ricky failed, his comments sounded more like an "Echo Chamber" for how he was told to respond to discredit me from questioning any Increase in Garbage Rates. I wouldn't be here if my Supervisor had returned my call or responded to my e-mail. The Citizens of Tate County need an answer or should demand an answer. Supervisors, or any Government Official ultimately answers to the Taxpayers, all Citizens. If not, the next Election will render results, just like the last Election.
We all have been "kicked in the gut" with a horrendous increase in costs of everything for the last four years ranging from 25% to 30%. We don't need to "kick the Taxpaying Citizens in the Teeth" while they're down. As for me, I have Two Garbage Cans, an additional $10 a month isn't going to kill me, but bottom line an increase is not necessary if managed Properly by looking at alternative cost cuttings, downsizing, etc., and oh yes, if all Households are Blled for Garbage Removal. The key to me questioning this was on the County's posting, "on an estimated Billable Garbage cans". Ok, then which cans are "Non-Billable"? Below are the latest numbers I have, but the key is contacting you Supervisor and demand their response, Transparency, thus Accountability.
2023 US Census Bureau
Tate County Housing Units, July 1, 2023 11,858
Tate County Households, Avg. Household of 2.47 10,720
Tate County Billable Garbage Cans 8,544**
Variance: Households vs Billable Garbage Cans 2,176
**What may skew these numbers in both directions are Rental Properties and Multiple Containers for some Households. If so, then in case of Renters, Landlords should be billed for Garbage cans, not the Renters. Then, the Landlords can pass on the Garbage Fees as part of the Rent. Vacant Rental properties still require Garbage Cans, along with Electrical Power, Water/Sewer, Gas costs, if applicable, while the house is Vacant so crews can go in at that time to clean, paint, do repairs, etc.
The 2,176 difference at $15 per Can equals to $32,640 monthly, or $391,680 annually for Garbage Collections Revenue if all Households are billed. This far exceeds the recent published Shortfall of Revenue of $73,462.98 annually. These numbers do not warrant any increase in Monthly Garbage Removal Fees, it only raises some major concerns on how it is being Managed.
As for my concern that Private Landowner(s) may be creating an unlawful Landfill by discarding Household Garbage on their land, I am in communications now with State Officials in Jackson. If I do not get a response from them, then I'll take it to the Federal Level.
Charles White
