By GARETT VALCOURT
Concerns over the future of garbage collection in Holmes County were at the center of the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners’ regular meeting Tuesday, October 6, as local sanitation providers questioned whether potential changes to the county’s waste disposal franchise agreements could threaten locally owned businesses.
The discussion followed Commissioner Clint Erickson’s request to place garbage franchise contracts on the agenda, prompting questions from existing service providers about the county’s intentions and whether larger, out-of-county waste management companies could eventually replace local operators.
Jimmy Mixon, son of Northwest Sanitation Services owner Coy Mixon, addressed commissioners about the company’s operations, recent service complaints and his concerns about making a substantial financial investment in a business whose future operating rights could be uncertain.
Mixon acknowledged that Northwest Sanitation had experienced difficulties maintaining its regular collection schedule after one of its garbage trucks was taken out of service. The equipment shortage, he explained, had contributed to complaints from customers whose trash had not been collected as scheduled.
During his remarks, Mixon told commissioners he was considering taking over the company from his father. However, before investing significant money into repairing or expanding the business, he wanted assurances that Northwest Sanitation would be permitted to continue operating in Holmes County.
Mixon also raised concerns about information he said he had heard suggesting Erickson was considering eliminating the existing franchise arrangements with Clean Connect LLC, Household Disposal Services (HDS), Northwest Sanitation Services and MTC Household Disposal Services.
He further questioned whether Erickson had approached or discussed a potential franchise arrangement with a larger company, such as Waste Pro or Waste Management. Those concerns were presented by Mixon during the meeting and do not establish that the county had reached an agreement with either company.
Mixon warned that replacing locally owned sanitation businesses with a large outside provider could eliminate small businesses and jeopardize the livelihoods of Holmes County families who depend on those operations.
The discussion also highlighted cooperation among competing sanitation providers. Kevin and Crystal Connor, owners of Household Disposal Services, offered to provide Northwest Sanitation with parts needed to repair its disabled garbage truck.
The Connors expressed their willingness to work with other local operators to preserve locally owned garbage collection services and prevent the market from being taken over by a larger outside company.
Another central issue involved the county’s requirements governing the equipment franchise holders may use to collect household garbage. Mixon questioned what he viewed as inconsistent enforcement of the franchise rules, specifically raising concerns that MTC Household Disposal Services had been permitted to collect garbage using a dump trailer rather than a conventional garbage truck.
According to concerns raised during the meeting, the franchise requirements call for collection using an approved garbage truck rather than a dump trailer. Mixon questioned why exceptions appeared to be available to one operator while others were expected to comply.
In response, Erickson asked whether temporarily allowing Northwest Sanitation to use a dump trailer through January would help the company address its equipment shortage. Mixon indicated that such an allowance would enable the company to complete its scheduled pickups while working to resolve its equipment issues.
Commissioners agreed to the temporary accommodation, providing Northwest Sanitation additional flexibility to maintain service. The exchange also raised broader questions about consistency in enforcing franchise requirements and how the county should balance operational standards with challenges faced by smaller providers.
Two days after the meeting, the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners posted an announcement on its official Facebook page notifying residents that MTC Household Disposal, LLC, would no longer provide garbage collection services in the county’s unincorporated areas.
“Due to the Termination of MTC Household Disposal, LLC’s Franchise to remove Solid Waste/Garbage within the unincorporated areas in Holmes County, MTC Household Disposal, LLC will no longer be servicing garbage removal for Holmes County citizens,” the notice stated.
The county identified three remaining franchise holders, listed in no particular order: Clean Connect LLC, Household Disposal Services (HDS) and Northwest Sanitation Services.
The announcement reduced the number of identified franchise holders from four to three. However, the public notice did not explain the circumstances surrounding MTC’s termination, specify the grounds for the action or establish whether the termination was directly connected to the concerns discussed during the meeting.
Holmes County Ordinance No. 97-01 establishes the county’s authority to regulate garbage collection and disposal in unincorporated areas through franchise agreements. Sanitation companies must obtain county authorization to operate, and commissioners may grant exclusive or nonexclusive franchises, allowing either one provider or multiple companies to serve residents.
Franchise agreements may not exceed five years, and the board has authority to establish or modify their terms and conditions. The ordinance does not require the county to use a single provider. Specific equipment restrictions and termination procedures must be checked against each company’s individual agreement.
The ordinance’s provisions are central to questions about whether Holmes County will maintain its existing franchise system or consider changes that could affect local sanitation businesses and their customers.
Despite the concerns expressed during the meeting, commissioners did not approve a countywide exclusive garbage collection contract or announce a final decision to replace the existing local franchise system.
The Holmes County Advertiser will continue following the issue, including any proposed changes to existing agreements, the circumstances surrounding MTC’s termination and whether the county considers contracting with a larger outside sanitation provider.
