PORCH PONDERINGS

The Battle

We had the meeting of the refuse committee last night. It was held in the courtroom of the county courthouse, as the commissioner's office, which holds at the most 5 or 6 people, was maybe too small. And we were right.

At least 15 by my count people showed up to complain. The sheriff was on hand, as was the county attorney, to keep the lid on things. People did complain. Most were very much against the $10 charge to use the burn pit. Now, they never made a peep when taxes were doubled for the refuse fee. But, boy oh boy, charge them $10 each time they bring in tree limbs or lumber or other burnables? World War 3 breaks out.

The county commissioner that is our mentor had some stern words for people as well. He is a rancher, life long resident, as is his family. He has survived fires on his land. The board chair also spoke, he is a long resident of the county and has survived five fires over the years. All have burnt his cattle ranch down each time.

So we did decide in the end to stop the charging of a $10 fee. And it was proven I was not in error. I did have the backing of the committee. Thanks folks.

We did educate some of the attendees as to the work involved in maintaining the 'burn pit' - which is actually a large hollowed-out bare spot in the back of the dump. It takes at least 2 weeks from start to finish to work this process. You get approval, you light it, you watch it for 24 hours, then 2 - 3 times a day you check it for a week, then check for hot spots, then move the hot spots around with a bulldozer, then when it's cool enough, you move the ashes to a big dumpster, and start all over again. Because by this time the refuse of branches and limbs and lumber has built up and it's time to burn again. But you cannot burn it from July to December because it is so dry here and it's fire season. Egads.

And we also let people know the expenses involved, the $50K per month to haul away the trash, the $1K per month to maintain the machinery, the salaries of 3 people, etc, etc. It's not cheap.

Another crisis averted. The gossip mongers will soon have another battle, I'm sure.