Info from Nancy H
It has been brought to my attention that Alleghany Disposal is requiring all municipalities to transition to its services under the proposed contract. This would directly impact the towns of Durbin, Marlinton, and Hillsboro, resulting in significant cost increases, as the company’s service fees are reportedly higher than green box rates.
Additionally, earlier claims suggested that this project would be financially sustainable due to a projected increase in waste volume. However, current census data indicates that Pocahontas County is experiencing a population decline, not growth, raising serious questions about those projections.
These factors strongly suggest that Alleghany Disposal, owned by Mr. Meck, may intend to transport and process waste from outside counties, including Highland County and Alleghany County, at the proposed transfer station. If so, Pocahontas County residents would effectively subsidize the processing of waste from higher-income neighboring counties, while also paying approximately $69 per ton for hauling services. In this scenario, the company could receive compensation from multiple counties, including ours for waste that does not originate here.
The financial disparity between these counties highlights the seriousness of this issue. In Alleghany County, the average income is approximately $65,000, with 91% of residents above the poverty line. In Highland County, the average income is about $60,000, with 83% above the poverty line. By contrast, Pocahontas County has an average income of roughly $42,000, and approximately 25% of our population lives below the poverty line. This stark difference underscores a critical concern: our community is being asked to bear costs that are disproportionately burdensome, effectively subsidizing waste disposal for counties with significantly greater financial resources.
There are also concerns that the cost of essential equipment; such as trucks, trailers, and related infrastructure, may be included in this arrangement. If true, county residents would be funding the purchase of private equipment, only to be charged additional fees for its use. This raises serious questions about fairness, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
This proposal presents a substantial financial burden for our community; one that many residents simply cannot afford. We cannot afford to pay for the disposal of waste generated outside our county.
Now is the time for engagement and accountability. Residents are strongly encouraged to contact officials, ask direct and informed questions, and attend the upcoming meeting on Wednesday. It is critical that concerns are raised and that any effort to fast-track this proposal is carefully examined and, if necessary, halted.
Media presence is also anticipated, making it all the more important that the voices of Pocahontas County residents are heard clearly and respectfully.
Additionally, earlier claims suggested that this project would be financially sustainable due to a projected increase in waste volume. However, current census data indicates that Pocahontas County is experiencing a population decline, not growth, raising serious questions about those projections.
These factors strongly suggest that Alleghany Disposal, owned by Mr. Meck, may intend to transport and process waste from outside counties, including Highland County and Alleghany County, at the proposed transfer station. If so, Pocahontas County residents would effectively subsidize the processing of waste from higher-income neighboring counties, while also paying approximately $69 per ton for hauling services. In this scenario, the company could receive compensation from multiple counties, including ours for waste that does not originate here.
The financial disparity between these counties highlights the seriousness of this issue. In Alleghany County, the average income is approximately $65,000, with 91% of residents above the poverty line. In Highland County, the average income is about $60,000, with 83% above the poverty line. By contrast, Pocahontas County has an average income of roughly $42,000, and approximately 25% of our population lives below the poverty line. This stark difference underscores a critical concern: our community is being asked to bear costs that are disproportionately burdensome, effectively subsidizing waste disposal for counties with significantly greater financial resources.
There are also concerns that the cost of essential equipment; such as trucks, trailers, and related infrastructure, may be included in this arrangement. If true, county residents would be funding the purchase of private equipment, only to be charged additional fees for its use. This raises serious questions about fairness, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
This proposal presents a substantial financial burden for our community; one that many residents simply cannot afford. We cannot afford to pay for the disposal of waste generated outside our county.
Now is the time for engagement and accountability. Residents are strongly encouraged to contact officials, ask direct and informed questions, and attend the upcoming meeting on Wednesday. It is critical that concerns are raised and that any effort to fast-track this proposal is carefully examined and, if necessary, halted.
Media presence is also anticipated, making it all the more important that the voices of Pocahontas County residents are heard clearly and respectfully.
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