In a move officials said will likely save Lee County taxpayers about $18,000 a year, the Lee County Commission on Monday rejected several bids for receptacle and disposal services. Instead, the group decided to use its own Environmental Services team for disposal at the county courthouse, building and grounds shop, sheriff’s office, and detention center.

The county had an existing contract with Waste Away Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Waste Management, Inc. which has 11 facilities in Alabama. But after officials learned the annual service costs had risen to a level where a competitive bid was necessary, the bid process began. After four bids were received, officials found a solution expected to “significantly reduce” costs, according to Lee County Administrator Roger Rendleman.

“An alternate in the bid was to rent a compactor and 40 yard receptacle at the detention site, which would have resulted in a cost savings, Rendleman said. “However, after discussing the matter with Jack Marshall (director of Environmental Services), we have determined the county will be better served with a capital investment to purchase our own compactor and have Environmental Services haul the receptacle as needed.”

It is anticipated that the county should recoup capital costs of switching to in-house waste disposal within 14 months. It may save approximately $18,000 per year, or $1,522 per month, for the detention facility. Later, Rendleman cited another cost-saving development: a reduction in its contract with Parker Construction of $37, 800 after the full contingency allowance was not used. The company constructed the central plant expansion at the T.K. Davis Center.

In other activity, the Lee County Commission:

Approved retail beer and retail table wine licenses (off-premise) for Lucky Stop and Shop, 7152 Stage Road, Loachapoka. Sweta “Sam” Patel is principal officer for applicant SHIV 12 Inc.

Reappointed Michael Andress to the Beulah Utilities District Board. Andress had cited his experience and historical perspective. John Johnson of Salem and Jeanette Smith of Loachapoka were appointed to the county’s Recreation Board. Johnson retired from the U.S. Army after 26 years, while Smith pointed to her enthusiasm and familiarity with District 5. Accepted the bid of Team Chevrolet, Alpharetta, GA for a truck for building maintenance. At $30, 465, this was the low bid. Stivers Ford of Montgomery came in third with a bid of $31, 285.