The Eupora Board of Aldermen heard complaints during its Nov. 6 regular meeting concerning garbage disposal and water bill payment.
Brothers Wayne and Mickey Hodges addressed the board about somewhat related items during the time set aside for public appearances.
Wayne Hodges’ complaint concerned residential garbage disposal. Beginning Oct. 1, the monthly fee for solid waste disposal in the city increased to $25 a month per household. The city’s website states each residence was to receive a 96-gallon rollaway cart and pickup would remain two times per week. “Opting out is not an option as the city is charged per residence/address,” the website states.
Wayne Hodges said he already pays Golden Triangle Waste Services directly for a Dumpster and collection at his shop that he, his brother and their mother use, and should not have to also pay the city for garbage collection.
He referenced state statute 21-19-2, which deals in part with development of billing and collection system under the Health, Safety and Welfare section of the Mississippi Code. According to the discussion, a resident may opt out of garbage collection if the city adopts an ordinance allowing this.
City Clerk Gail Newton said Wayne Hodges had not previously been billed for residential garbage pickup because the garbage truck could not go down Hodges Drive. She said since the road has been repaired, the garbage truck can now drive on it and the service is now available there. She also noted that the city is billed for each residence from GTWS.
Mickey Hodges asked why his water was cut off after he attempted to pay his bill for August. Newton said his water was cut off because he attempted to make a partial payment, which the city cannot accept. He then chose not to pay any of the bill, according to Newton. On Nov. 9, she said his water remained cut off as of then.
City Attorney Joey Hood told the brothers that the board would take their complaints under advisement.
The agenda was amended to add an item requested by Police Chief Lawrence Caradine. He said an office computer was damaged beyond repair because it was not powered down before Natchez Trace EPA’s planned outage the night of Oct. 21.
Caradine obtained two quotes for a new computer and the board accepted one totaling $2,815.69 as the best option for the price. This was for a Dell computer and accessories plus labor to install. The other quote was approximately $100 less but was rejected because the computer did not have the memory needed.
Also on Nov. 6, the board approved the official agenda including these consented items: minutes from the Sept. 30 and Oct. 13 agenda work sessions, Oct. 2 regular meeting, Oct. 16 recessed meeting and Oct. 17 special-called meeting, plus the claims docket. An agenda work session for the Nov. 6 meeting was held Nov. 3.
Alderman-at-Large Gary, who is serving as mayor pro tempore, was unable to attend the Nov. 6 meeting in person and presided via phone. The other four aldermen were present in the boardroom. They recessed until 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20.
