Pike County Commissioners heard from representatives of Advance Disposal Monday night. Billy Porter, general manager of Advance Disposal, assured commissioners that he and his employees would address all of the complaints residents had regarding interruptions in service.

“Mr. Porter seemed to be sincere,” said Commissioner Robin Sullivan. “They realize there’s some issues and are working on them.”

Porter said some of those services were interrupted because of nonpayment. He left a list of about a thousand residents with delinquent accounts.

“My biggest problem was people calling them and they were ugly to them,” said Commissioner Ray Goodson.

Commissioner Joey Jackson had received similar complaints about poor customer service from the Advance Disposal call center. Porter said the company would work to improve customer relations.

If service does not improve, the board could end its three-year contract with AD early and request bids for a new contract. Commissioners were reluctant to take that step because there are very few companies willing to take on a territory as large as Pike County.

After the meeting, commissioners were confident that the problem would be addressed.

Probate Judge Wes Allen reported receiving complaints about the new SACO voting center located in the volunteer fire department building. Voters said the building had mold issues and there were no public restrooms available.

Commission Chair Homer Wright said the department had a $900 water bill from January’s severe storm. The only funds the department receives is about $500 from taxes on the sale of tobacco. Those funds were used for insurance.

The water was turned off because the bill was past due. Wright said the department was trying to pay for it but did not have the means to do so.

City Administrator Harry Sanders asked commissioners to buy an unfinished building like they did for the Ebenezer voting center.

For about $12,000, the county could purchase the building and have it ready for use by the July primary runoff. Commissioners voted unanimously to do so. On voting days, the county will set up a port-a-potty for voters and volunteers to use.

Commissioner Joey Jackson said Shellhorn’s County Road 1101 no longer has a weight restriction. Crews were able to repair enough of the damage to lift the restriction.

Road crews also started doing asphalt repairs on County Road 2276. “We’re moving forward and we’re doing what we can,” Jackson said.

County Engineer Russell Oliver updated commissioners on the inmate program. Things are running smoothly, but the county is not always able to get four inmates as requested. Oliver said the inmates have been a great help.

“We’re making some progress, getting stuff done that’s been on the back log,” he reported.

The Board of Commissioners approved Oliver’s request to hire two part-time temporary equipment operators to help with the backlog of road repairs.