Tensions Flare at Pocahontas County Commission Over Controversial Waste Authority Deal

Source: WVMR 

 

Tensions Flare at Pocahontas County Commission Over Controversial Waste Authority Deal

MARLINTON, WV – A heated Pocahontas County Commission meeting turned into an "angry discussion" Tuesday as nearly a dozen residents voiced their outrage over a series of decisions made by the county’s Solid Waste Authority (SWA).

The conflict centers on a proposal to have local contractor Jacob Meck build and operate a transfer station at the county landfill. While only two residents, Nancy Harris and Mike Murphy, were officially signed up for public comment, the meeting quickly devolved as approximately 13 attendees—primarily from Northern Pocahontas County—pressed the commissioners for answers and intervention.

A Litany of Grievances Critics of the SWA’s current direction presented a long list of concerns, alleging a lack of transparency and fiscal irresponsibility. Key points of contention include:

• Property Transfers: Residents objected to the plan to deed several acres of the public landfill to a private entity. In response, officials suggested the property ownership might instead be transferred to the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation (GVEDC) to act as an intermediary.

• No Competitive Bidding: Protesters alleged the SWA accepted Meck’s offer without opening the transfer station project or the hauling contract to a public bidding process.

• Monopoly Concerns: Residents claimed the proposal would prohibit both commercial haulers and private citizens from transporting trash to landfills in other counties, effectively forcing all local waste through the new station to secure its financial viability.

• Financial Risk: Opponents argued the SWA is committing to a 15-year agreement worth between $5 million and $6 million—funds they say the authority does not currently have. They warned this could lead to skyrocketing "green box" and tipping fees for residents.

• New Fees: A proposal to charge green box fees on every parcel of land in the county, regardless of whether it is developed, was labeled "unfair" by those in attendance.

Commissioners’ Hands Tied? Despite the outcry, the County Commissioners explained that they have limited authority over the SWA. Of the five-member SWA board, only two are appointed by the county commission, while the remaining three are state appointees.

With the recent resignation of board member Ed Riley, the protesting group urged the commission to appoint one of their own members, Angela Fisher, to the vacancy. The commission has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, March 19, at 9:00 a.m. to appoint Riley’s replacement.

Next Steps The Solid Waste Authority is also scheduled to hold its own special meeting on Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussions on "free day" regulations, disposal policies for household furnishings, and future green box operations. Notably, the SWA agenda does not currently include a slot for public comment, a move likely to further frustrate the concerned citizens.

Beware:  We have a secretive operation going down