The Tri-County Journal
& Chattahoochee Chronicle
PO Box 850, 71 Webb Lane
Buena Vista, GA 31803
229-649-6397
tjournal@alltel.net
Homeowners will have $192 per year added to property tax bills
From the Sept. 20, 2006 issue
The Marion County Commission has set the monthly per household fee for roadside garbage pickup, which is scheduled to begin on October 2, at $16, and plans are to add the yearly total of $192 to residents’ annual property tax bills, but there will also be an option of paying quarterly.
Commissioners expect a few minor glitches in the first weeks of the new system, but are confident that the transition will be relatively smooth and they believe the new roadside pickup service is in the best overall interest of the county.
TransWaste, the company that has contracted with the county to handle the service, recently distributed trash containers, but there are likely some residences that were missed, as the containers were left beside mailboxes and some people may use Post Office boxes in lieu of having mailboxes at home. Also, some houses where containers were left may be vacant and thus not in need of garbage service. Homeowners in either situation are requested to contact TransWaste toll free at 1-888-924-3669.
Also, those with vacant buildings are requested to obtain an affidavit at the County Commission Office. After commissioners approve the affidavit, it will be used as an official record of the vacancy to avoid the fee being added to the property tax bill for that location.
Commissioner Frank Powell noted that some initial mistakes are probably unavoidable in the beginning, as would be the case with anything new, but encourages people to work with TransWaste and the Commission.
Marion County Tax Commissioner Judith Smith spoke with commissioners during their recent meeting and gave her assurance that she will work with the commissioners and local residents on any questions or problems that arise.
Smith is currently looking for a way to “help the computer” determine the number of actual lived in homes in the county. That is one of the potential “glitches” discussed by county commissioners and the tax commissioner.
“It will all work out, just not by tomorrow morning,” Commissioner Powell said.
It was also noted that TransWaste has special accommodations for the elderly and the disabled. Residents should submit a doctor's letter (available from their physician, or forms are available at the Tax Commissioner’s Office in the courthouse) to the county commission. Also senior citizens (over 65)
Some businesses will continue to have larger garbage containers, but they will be paying TransWaste, too, so local residents should not use them to dispose of their personal trash.
Commission Chairman George Neal Jr. also said he has spoken with Trans Waste and was assured that the company will service homes on all dirt roads they can safely access (not only county maintained roads). Unless told by a resident it is a private road, they will attempt to service all roads.
There is to be no scavenging either in business dumpsters or in residential trash containers placed out for pick up. There is a fine of $125 to $500 or 60 days in jail.
Commissioner Jerry Hays asked that churches be given a discount to $12 per month, as some only meet once or twice per month. This was agreed upon by the commission.