BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — As the trash hauler trouble in District 4 drags on, Martin County Fiscal Court will continue covering the cost until a new hauler is in place.

The court opened three bids May 19 but chose to split the service in District 4 and readvertise for two separate haulers.

Bids came in from Country Boy Pickup I, Bill Vanover, and James W. McCoy.

Martin County Judge/Executive Colby Kirk told the magistrates that both Country Boy and Vanover met all requirements within the scope of the advertisement for bids, while McCoy did not.

Magistrate Jarred Goforth made a motion to accept the proposal from Vanover.

Magistrate Mark Blackburn asked if the court could split the route.

“It would create a lot of complications if we try to split the route,” Kirk said. “Every other magisterial district has one point of contact. I wouldn’t want to marginalize one district over the other.”

Magistrate Junior Hunt said he did not know what to do.

“Everyone I’ve talked to wants Vanover,” Hunt said. “I love James and them, and it’s a tough call.”

Blackburn made a motion to split the service and readvertise. Magistrate Derrick Stepp seconded, and the motion passed.

Vanover will continue picking up trash for the time being.