Huntingdon Changes Trash Collection Services

HUNTINGDON (April 28) — The Huntingdon Town Council met Tuesday, April 28, at Huntingdon City Hall with several new business items to consider — including a decision to change solid waste collection services from Waste Management to Republic Services.

Republic Services submitted the lowest residential bid at $11.95 per unit per month, beating out Waste Management’s bid of $13.80 per unit. United Disposal Partners was also considered.

The new contract takes effect in July.

“By going with Republic, our rate will not have to change for a year,” Huntingdon Mayor Chad Edwards said.

With Tuesday night’s vote, there will be a 60-day window of time to make the transition from Waste Management to Republic Services.

Republic Services’ Todd Chamberlain said Republic Services will follow a communications plan aligned with town guidance, using local media, newspaper, radio and social media to keep residents in the know.

He expects to coordinate with Waste Management during their last week of collection. Republic vehicles will follow as Waste Management empties and removes their trash cans from residents’ properties. Republic vehicles will then drop new trash cans behind them so there is no interruption between services.

The council gave final approval to Ordinance No. 656, establishing rules for the installation, maintenance and usage of grinder pump systems in areas where gravity-flow sewer connections aren’t possible due to elevation or other obstacles.

The town will continue to provide maintenance of grinder pump units installed prior to June 2023 if needed, if the maintenance is created by normal wear and deterioration of the grinder pump unit, but property owners will be billed for the cost of parts for maintenance. The town’s fiscal responsibility ends if the property is sold.

For all new construction, property owners and developers will be charged full cost for grinder pumps and associated electrical installation and operation expenses.

For new residential subdivision development, the developer or subsequent contractor will pay for electrical equipment needed as specified by the Town of Huntingdon and for the initial cost of the grinder pump unit and the service lines to the property. The property owner will assume the costs of electrical service upon operation.

The ordinance gives the town the right to access grinder pump systems on private property for inspections, repairs and emergencies.

It provides a list of prohibited uses, including disposal of toxic household substances, discharge of pet hair or lint, disposal of grease and wipes into the grinder pump system.

Property owners who fail to properly maintain their systems and cause a sewage overflow can be held liable for all cleanup, repair and regulatory fines.

The council also approved Resolution No. 026-05, formally calling the November 3, 2026, municipal election for three at-large council seats.

Council seats held by John Sanders, Andrew Maddox and Kelly Eubanks are on the ballot this fall. Candidates must file a petition of nomination signed by at least 25 qualified electors with the Carroll County Election Commission by noon on August 20, 2026, to be placed on the ballot for these seats.

The council awarded a bid for two new rooftop HVAC units at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center to Tim Ferguson Plumbing, Air, Electric in Jackson, Tenn. Five firms submitted bids, with Ferguson’s bid of $16,954.00 being the lowest.

The council approved two purchases for the Huntingdon Street Department: a Bush Hog 4110 single flex-wing rotary cutter, priced at $21,750 from B&G Equipment, and a 2026 Freightliner Tandem Truck, priced at $180,435.00 under TAG Truck Center of Jackson under a Sourcewell contract.

The council approved two water bill adjustments. Before adjustment, the two water bills were priced at $1,404.12 (due to a water leak) and $1,897.21 (due to a busted pipe). Both bills were reduced to $250 under a precedent set at previous meetings.

In other business, the council approved a purchase of $47,199.80 for fire department gear. Included items were four 3M Scott Air-Paks, eight carbon-wrapped snap-change cylinders, 19 AV3000 HT facepieces with Kevlar lining and four-strap harnesses and 24 SCBA mask bags.

The purchases were funded by the State of Tennessee 2026 Volunteer Fire Department Grant.

Mayor Edwards also read a Purple UP! proclamation, recognizing April 15 as Military Children Day. He noted that the Huntingdon High School Fillies basketball team received the Pinnacle of Excellence Award on April 26.

Huntingdon’s next council meeting is Tuesday, May 26, in the council room of Huntingdon City Hall at 5:15 p.m.