Officials say Republic Services’ costs are too high

City and County officials have been concerned about the high price both governments are paying to Republic Services for handling trash services in Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County.
After the Jeff Davis County Commissioners heard from County Administrator Shane Richardson about discussions he had with City of Hazlehurst officials, the commissioners voted at their last Thursday meeting to cancel the county’s contract with Republic Services and explore new companies to provide the service to the county.
Under the contract, either party can cancel the contract with a specified amount of time for the cancellation to go into effect.
In other action, Administrator Richardson asked the Board to consider allowing a Food Truck and Family Night Event at the Recreation Department Complex on the Baxley Highway. The event will be held sometime during the summer.
Chloe Chaney represented the Joint Development Authority at the meeting and requested the commissioners’ approval of an application for funding through the JDA’s revolving loan fund. The Authority did not want to make public the name of the person requesting the loan. The commissioners approved the request.
The commissioners weren’t sure how to handle a letter from JDA Director Oakley Perry asking the commission to allow for Special Event Alcohol Sales at two upcoming events. The matter was tabled to allow the county’s legal team to review the letter.
In other action at Thursday’s meeting. the commissioners …
… recognized EMS Director Andrew Waldron as the April Employee of the Month.
… recognized Bayne Stone and Wanda Marchant for their hard work and dedication for Jeff Davis County.
… approved a recommendation from County Administrator Richardson that the Board allow Road Superintendent Chris Horton to choose the upcoming LMIG Roads for 2025.
… approved Leggett Steel Building to repair hurricane Helene damage to the Jeff Davis Fairgrounds.
… approved the bid from Rodney Thomas to repair hurricane damage to Jeff Davis Fire station 6 and the Snipesville Fire Station.
… heard an update from Joseph Genarella with Debris Tech who said all their services should be completed by May 11.
… approved the purchase of a new pump for the Jeff Davis Fire Department, as requested by Fire Chief Charles Wasdin.
… heard from EMS Director Andrew Waldron regarding the current staffing at the EMS department. He said the current EMS Students are still on track with their program.
… heard from Administrator Richardson who said the Courthouse Roof would be repaired April 7. He also said the ACCG Conference will be in Savannah April 23-27.
… agreed to allow Administrator Richardson to start the process to fix the broken clock at the Courthouse.
.. heard an update from Laurel Matula with ER Assist regarding the Waterway Debris for Jeff Davis County. Matula said she would like to ask GEMA to pre-approve funding with help on clearing railroad waterways in Jeff Davis County.
… met in executive session to discuss personnel and litigation. After re-opening the meeting to the public, the commissioners agreed to advertise for a new road department employee.