Wilcox County raises garbage rates, passes employee bonuses, talks storm shelters

Garbage rates in Wilcox County will soon be going up, county employees will soon get a bonus and the county continues to talk about adding storm shelters.

In the Dec. 18 Wilcox County Commission meeting, garbage pickup rates were unanimously voted to increase to $37.50 per month for residents and businesses and $213 for Dumpsters, according to the Progressive Era. The rate will be for 2024.

Commissioner Bill Albritton made the motion to raise the county garbage rates and Commissioner Duane Hale seconded the motion. 

Wilcox County employees will be getting a one-time $500 bonus for the holidays pending funding approval. Commissioner Quarre Calhoun made the motion which was seconded by Commissioner Charles Lawson. It passed unanimously.

Renovation of the Wilcox County Courthouse to remove mold needed another $206,000 to complete the work. The commission approved funds from a proposal by Wilson Reconstruction Company to finish the work that started in July. The courthouse has been closed and offices relocated for the renovations.

Commissioner Albritton made the motion which was seconded by Commissioner Lawson. It passed unanimously.

Wilcox County EMA Director Melissa Dove has put in applications for new storm shelters but has not heard back about approval. Commissioner Jeffery Saulsberry asked Dove for an update on getting new storm shelters that has been a topic for a year.

Dove said she has put in applications but there is no word back yet. Albritton told the commissioners that in order to be approved for a storm shelter, there has to be a plan in place and they need one that includes details such as who will run the shelters and who will open them when weather threatens.