Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The county has introduced two initiatives to support residents: the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Exemption and a new solid waste contract. These measures aim to provide financial relief and ensure efficient waste management.

On Tuesday, June 16 during the Chambers County Commission meeting a resolution was approved for an annual back-to-school tax holiday exemption for residents.

The exemption covers eligible items from the first Friday in July to the following Sunday. The exemption aims to alleviate some of the costs associated with shopping for school supplies as parents and students prepare for the new school year. The resolution will be recurring, eliminating the need for further resolutions.

Another resolution concerning the severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday exemption was also passed. This exemption assists county residents when preparing for inclement weather during periods known for producing severe weather conditions (i.e., hurricane season). This resolution will also be a recurring annual event.

Bids were received from four possible providers to see who could offer the lowest price for the county’s waste disposal services. The Chambers County Commission accepted a new waste disposal contract with Meridian Waste Disposal out of Charlotte, NC, with a new franchise in Salem, AL. Before voting, the commission was addressed by Cal Franklin, a representative of Meridian Waste Disposal, who has had dealings with the commission in the past.

Ben Griffith, the area supervisor, and Daniel McLelland, the primary point of contact in Valley, were introduced by Franklin as the local representatives for Meridian. Oversight will be the responsibility of Cal Franklin, who has a working relationship with the Chambers County Commission.

Meridian’s bid of $20.06 per month was lower than Amwaste’s bid of $24.98 per month. Amwaste, located in West Point, GA, who is the current waste management provider. The new contract will take effect on August 1 and is set for a three-year term.

Currently, the contract between Meridian and the commission is in its final stages of completion, contingent on the establishment of all prerequisites, primarily relating to insurance and franchise fees, before Meridian officially begins.