Brady Cody
Robbinsville – A recent countywide survey regarding the operation of local sanitation centers yielded a pile of data to sift through.
Graham County Manager Brady Cody presented the results of the survey at Monday's special called commissioner meeting, noting that 336 responses were received during the narrow window the survey was open (or roughly 4% of the county's population).
"That is fantastic for a community of our size," Cody pointed out.
Of note:
* The main site off Snowbird Road was said to be the most-visited, attaining 39% of the vote. This was followed by Bear Creek (24.1%); Stecoah (20.8%); and East Buffalo (18.1%).
* An overwhelming amount of responses indicated that visits to a sanitation site occur more than once a week (72.9%). One trip per week garnered 20.2%, with the rest being on an infrequent basis.
* Saturday proved to be the most popular day, with 69.4% preferring the final day of the week. This was followed by Monday, at 52.8%; Wednesday, 51.2%; Friday, 49.1%; Thursday, 48.5%; Tuesday, 46.6%; and Sunday, 39.2%. Saturday was also the preferred day for the site to be open on the weekend (79.6%).
* Responses indicated a desire to visit a site in the evening, with 48% stating that their usual time to haul off refuse is 4-6 p.m. After 6 p.m., was close behind (46.2%); while 2-4 p.m., is the preferred timeframe for 30.6%).
* Over half of those surveyed said that if any additional costs were associated with increasing operating hours for the sites, they would prefer the current schedule and the no-charge policy (50.5%). Adding hours – even if costs increase slightly – would be preferred by 22.8%; and 11.2% said a reduction of hours to save money would be the best route.
"We're going to take this and amend the hours that were previously stated," said Cody, who told The Star on Tuesday that a new schedule is going to be released in the coming weeks.
Other news & notes
* Finance officer Stacy Carpenter presented several budget amendments, which included the revelation of a significant cost associated with the hearing to remove former Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit between February-March. County attorney Jay Coward presented an invoice for his 2025-26 services, in the amount of $52,762.50. The county had only budgeted $35,000 for the expense, which led to a budget amendment of $17,762.50 being required to cover what Cody said was "primarily" the reason for the increase: Hoxit's hearing. Hoxit filed an appeal April 20 regarding the decision rendered, which led to his permanent removal as sheriff.
* The board unanimously passed the adoption of a "Whistleblower Protection Policy," which was put in place to eliminate any retaliatory action against a county employee who might report misconduct regarding either a fellow co-worker or a supervisor. Cody said the policy was being instituted to fulfill a requirement for grant funding being applied for by the Graham County Sheriff's Office.
* The construction of a cross-country trail at the Graham County Recreation Department off P & J Road was presented. The Robbinsville High School cross-country team – as well as several community members – have expressed concern over the upcoming construction of the new Robbinsville Elementary School facility off Rodney Orr Bypass, which will affect a walking trail used by both the public and the school. Materials to build the trail will be donated if the project moves forward, according to Cody.