Sylva leaders discuss trash, recycling concerns with hauler

By Lynn Hotaling

After a suggestion from Audrey Tritt, members of Sylva's solid waste committee - town board members Tritt, Eldon Cabe and Danny Allen - indicated they would recommend a 90-day "test period" to give Country Collections, the Sylva company that contracts to provide residential trash collection and solid waste pickup and commercial recycling to the town, time to resolve recent problems.

Citing an increase in complaints - 36 since Sept. 1 - Sylva Manager Richard McHargue said there have been ongoing problems with Country Collections' service. Most of those calls have reported problems with commercial recycling pickups, he said.

"Our staff is spending time and energy responding to phone calls," McHargue said.

Though Country Collections owner Bud Boynton was present, Arlene Stewart, executive director of Webster Enterprises, addressed McHargue's concern.

Country Collections' recent difficulties began in August when Bobby Gunter, Country Collections' co-owner, dissolved that partnership, Stewart said. Webster Enterprises stepped in because of a clause to "back Country Collections up," that's in WE's contract with the trash and recycling company, she said.

"We knew Country Collections was worthwhile," Stewart said. "We had the expertise to help them move to the next level."

Webster Enterprises contracts with Jackson County to handle recyclables collected at the county's staffed recycling centers; Country Collections subcontracts that service from WE, Stewart said.

Gunter's departure caused a number of problems for Country Collections, Stewart said.

"We had an incomplete route list, and we had to rehire drivers and start over," Stewart said in response to the complaints McHargue mentioned, and asked town leaders to look at the "big picture."

Complaints since the beginning of July have added up to only a tenth of 1 percent of the total pickups Country Collections has made during that time, Stewart said.

"I know it's uncomfortable to deal with complaints - one complaint is too many - but I ask you to look at the whole picture," Stewart said. "You're getting good service for what you're paying."

At that point Tritt recommended giving Country Collections another chance.

"It's September. Let's see what happens by December," Tritt said.

"I know Webster Enterprises has a good reputation - if they're involved, I feel good about it."

Webster Enterprises consultant Alan Warshaw said he was pleased with the idea of a three-month trial period.

McHargue asked about the municipal contract for trash pickup, which he said is one of the biggest services the town provides its residents. "Are we going to have a contract with Country Collections or Webster Enterprises?" he asked.

"At this point, they're one and the same," Warshaw said. "(Boynton) owns the largest piece, but Webster stands behind him. You've seen an improvement since Webster Enterprises got involved."

Board member Allen questioned the "stability" of Country Collections.

"I know people are beginning to lose faith in you and in us," Allen said.

"As a three-party team - the city, Country Collections and Webster Enterprises - we can restore that faith," Warshaw said.

Warshaw then told the committee that Country Collections has "value" to Webster both as a revenue source and a way to expand the employment experiences Webster can offer its employees.

Boynton was wronged by his former partner, Gunter, Warshaw alleged, saying Gunter robbed Boynton and stole the company's inventory, a "crime" that the sheriff has so far refused to investigate.

Jackson County Sheriff Jim Cruzan said Tuesday that no one from either Webster Enterprises or Country Collections had asked him to investigate anything during the past month or six weeks.

Efforts Tuesday to reach Gunter, who told The Herald several weeks ago that he had left Country Collections and started a new business, were unsuccessful.

Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver turned the focus back to the collection of town trash and recyclables.

"This is going to sound callous, but the internal problems of Country Collections are not our problem," Oliver said. "We're not accustomed to complaints, and it makes us feel our service is inadequate."

Stewart agreed with the mayor, but added that Webster Enterprises wanted the town to know that they are backing Country Collections.

"I'm with Brenda (Oliver)," said town board member Eldridge Painter. "We contracted with (Boynton) to do a job, and we expect him to do it. If you all don't improve in 90 days, that's it."

"That's fair," Stewart said.

In other business, the solid waste committee heard from Allens Branch resident Art Altman about his failing septic system.

McHargue reported that the cost of extending sewer lines up Allens Branch, Mitchell Road and Mills Branch would be some $525,000. The town could fund that, he said, by taking out a low-interest loan for $266,500 and making the payments with revenues from existing revolving loans; using $209,000 in UDAG funds; and taking the remaining $50,000 from the fund balance.

Those areas were annexed in 1996 with the understanding that sewer would be provided, McHargue said.

After stating her opinion that the town should start on the project "next week," Tritt said the committee should recommend the sewer line extensions at tonight's (Thursday's) 7 p.m. meeting of the town board.

Back to Archive: 10/03/02.