The garbage man came calling at the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors’ meeting Monday and picked up some good news.

John Gibson with Waste Pro has lately been on the receiving end of some harsh criticism and blunt words from the county leaders.

On Monday, however, he was met with smiles and pleasant words.

Gibson asked supervisors if they had seen improvements over the past two weeks as changes had been made within the company and problems had been addressed.

Eddie Brown, supervisor District 4, and Doug Falvey, supervisor District 5, both spoke up.

“We’re good,” said Falvey.

“Whatever you’re doing,” added Brown, “keep it up.”

Gibson’s smile stretched wide. “Good deal,” he said. “I’m glad to hear it.”

Supervisors noted only a few complaints, all of which had been quickly and satisfactorily resolved by Waste Pro employees. The reasons for the improvements, Gibson said, were new employees and consistent follow-up from himself and other management.

“About two months ago, we changed over nearly all the crews on routes,” Gibson said. “We’ve got a good group now.”

Jerry Wilson, supervisor District 1, made a motion to release all funds owed to Waste Pro, and Brown seconded. All five supervisors voted in favor. A check in the amount of $168,580 was written and released to bring the county and Waste Pro up to date in services and funds owed. The payment covered pickup for February and March.

Board members expressed their appreciation for the recent work from the waste disposal company, and Gibson said they would do all they could to keep the relationship at the level it had now reached.

Budget discussion

Falvey made a suggestion for the amount of the county’s next budget.

He wants the board to consider increasing the county’s budget for next year by the same amount it increased for this year, then add a $5 million bond. The bond would be divided among the districts according to miles of road, and paid off in the same proportions over a 10-year period. This would avoid an increase in taxes. County administrator David Fields said he had concerns about obligating road funds over that length of time, as well as making certain that specific plans were made as to where those monies would be spent. He suggested the board think about the issue, put some work into it and — if the board chooses to go with a bond — apply in the fall when the budget is worked out.

In other business:

• The board accepted an audit report on New Sight Volunteer Fire Department from Emergency Management Director Clifford Galey.

• The board entered executive session for an hour to discuss personnel matters.  No action was taken after they returned to open meeting.

• County engineer Ryan Holmes said Ability Works’ site improvements and repairs were underway, and that the building would stay operational throughout.

• Holmes recommended that Cotten Lane be removed from a state-aid system listing and reverted to county and Local System Bridge Program listing so the county can address repairs without waiting on the state. The board voted unanimously in favor of his recommendation.

• Holmes updated the board on a previous question of cost on acquiring a railroad tank car to use as road drainage pipe. A car that is 8 to 10 feet in diameter would cost $225 per linear foot, including shipping.

• Docket review was scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, at 9 a.m.

• Chancery Clerk Tillmon Bishop reminded the board about the National Day of Prayer observance scheduled for Thursday at noon on the steps of the Lincoln County Government Complex.