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PrintMIKE WEST/ Courier Editor
Commissioners voted unanimously Saturday, April 15 to block any effort to move Rutherford County's landfill operation to Cannon County.
"If you pass this resolution, no one can build a landfill here without the County Commission's permission," County Executive Mike Gannon told the commissioners.
Commissioner Mark Barker moved and Jim Bush seconded the motion to adopt Resolution 2016-9 to Adopt the Jackson Law.
The Jackson Law requires local approval by the county and the municipality, if any, in which a landfill is to be located that will accept municipal and county solid waste and household garbage. This law also establishes procedures for the granting of this approval.
Originally passed by Cannon County in 1992, the Jackson Law was recently amended, making it necessary for the Commission to readopt it.
Gannon said Cannon officials recently learned that Allied Waste and Rutherford County were considering a plan to move their Walter Hill operation here.
Rutherford County could buy land in Cannon County and move the operation here. The Locke Creek area was suggested by Rutherford County's CTAS representative, Gannon said.
"If push comes to shove, they will move it to Cannon and not back to the Walter Hill area," the county executive said.
Commissioner Glenn Steakley, who represents Cannon County on a four-county solid waste panel, said he recently asked Rutherford County's representative about the possible plan.
"He didn't deny it," Steakley said.
In addition to handling all the trash from Rutherford County and Murfreesboro, the Allied Waste landfill also buries all the trash from Metro Nashville and other communities as well.
The Commission quickly passed the measure by nine votes. Commissioner Todd Hollandsworth was absent. A two-thirds majority was required.
In other action, the County Commission appointed Robert D. Bush as Cannon County Historian. Bush's selection was endorsed by the Cannon County Historical Society.
Bush is the first county historian since the death of Robert L. Mason several years ago.
Commissioners voted 7 to 2 in favor of applying for a 80-20 matching grant to construct a walking trail around the county fairground.
"It would upgrade the facility completely," County Executive Gannon said. "It would be a pretty neat thing to do."
Commissioner Richie Hunter moved for passage. Adam Melton seconded. Voting yes were Mark Barker, Karen Ashford, James Holloway, Glenn Steakley, Brent Bush, Richie Hunter and Adam Melton. Voting no were Russell Reed and Jim Bush.
