There may a way to limit those problems. Maybe the county could sell the landfill to a private business? I'm one of those who thinks government should never be involved in business of any kind.

In reality, the landfill is actually owned equally by Loudon County, Lenoir City and the city of Loudon. The 250 acre landfill opened up back in the early 1980's after the old Poplar Springs landfill closed. While all three local governments own the landfill, Santek Waste Services has managed the landfill almost since it opened.

I really have no idea if there is a market for landfills but I sure think it's a discussion we could have to at least explore the possibilities. I plan to have the matter on the next commission workshop agenda, April 18, to discuss and see if the commission would have an interest getting out of the landfill business.

Who knows, if we could sell it, maybe some of the revenue from the sale could go to the long awaited expansion of the jail.