Landfill committee meeting laced with discussion about July commission

The Carter County Landfill Committee met for their monthly meeting Monday evening at the county courthouse as normal, but the confrontations from July’s full commission meeting carried additional weight to the proceedings that the board could not escape.

Three different people came to Solid Waste Director Benny Lyons’ defense during the public comment section, including Melissa Troutman, who spoke during the full commission meeting as well.

“For the record, my director, Benny Lyons, has never used bad language or threatened anyone during the initial phone conversation between him and Mr. Grant,” Troutman said.

According to Troutman, Bill Grant has continued to decry Lyons and his work with the landfill. In particular, she said he has accused her of being in love with Lyons.

“I believe this is a travesty,” she said. “The commissioners should be thanked for taking the high road.”

Lyons said before the incident at the courthouse, members of Grant’s Construction never came up to him to discuss the problems they had with the landfill.

“Neither one of these guys have ever came and talked with me,” Lyons said.

He said the gravel paths leading to the dump sites are constantly shifting due to a variety of causes, including materials decomposing underneath the gravel, the gravel itself washing away due to erosion or the gravel being scrapped off as part of the cleanup process.

When the committee was not discussing the events of three weeks ago, however, the committee discussed imposing a fee for people who do not put tarps over their trash as they drive it to the landfill.

“I have had a number of people complain about the debris that is flying out on the Stoney Creek highway,” Commissioner Robert Acuff said.

Lyons said he recently met with the landfill director of Jefferson County, who said they currently have a $20 fee for people who do not put tarps over their vehicles carrying the debris. He said even state troopers are getting involved in the issue.

People who do not tarp their vehicles, they said, often have debris falling off their vehicles, ending up in the middle of the road and making the landfill harder to clean or further endangering the safety of those working there.

County Attorney Josh Hardin confirmed they could have the ability to turn people away if they come without a tarp and are unwilling to pay the fee.

The committee voted all in favor of imposing the $20 un-tarped fee, which will go into effect January 1, 2020.

SportsPlus

Local news

Israel and Georgia representatives give aid to Carter County

Local news

City of Elizabethton outlines steps for homeowners impacted by Hurricane Helene to obtain building permits

Local news

JCPD investigates deaths of two children; suspect identified

Local news

Is removal of a DA a bridge too far?

Local news

Dugger Band will present Higher Than The Flood fundraising concert

Local news

LampLight Theatre presents ‘Yuletide 2024’

Local news

Speedway In Lights partners with regional grocery retailer to spread holiday cheer

Local news

TCAT Elizabethton President McMillian receives appointment to TN Council

Local news

Watauga Genealogists meet Nov. 5

Local news

Charles C.Y. Peters to release new books honoring local sports legends

Local news

Monday City Council workshop discusses alternate Christmas Parade route

Local news

‘Relay For Life Pageant’ offers hope after dark times

Local news

Supreme Court board temporarily suspends Holly’s law license

Local news

A Life Lived: Ronnie Heaton was a winner on and off the battlefield

Local news

It’s that time of year for pumpkins to come to Ivy Hall

Local news

One month after Helene, thousands apply for FEMA aid in Carter

Local news

ETSU invites community to expanded Holiday Lights Celebration

Local news

Food City to host annual Johnia Berry Toy Drive

Local news

UETHDA energy assistance outreach scheduled in November

Local news

Tennessee gas prices continue to decline, average drops to $2.78

Local news

ETSU recognized for serving adult students

Local news

Dr. Stephen Waers installed as Milligan University’s 16th president

Local news

Three JCPD officers complete Southeastern Leadership Academy

Local news

Crafting guitars: ETSU students blend art and engineering