The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted Monday morning to place Milton Gaston in a newly defined role assisting with trash collection efforts across the county following an extended discussion centered on staffing, compensation, and operational structure.
The conversation intensified, when supervisors raised concerns about clarity and legal grounding before taking a vote.
“I’m just gonna — I’m not gonna vote today,” supervisor Mala Brooks said.. “Once I get it clear, I’ll be comfortable to vote at the next board meeting”
Despite the hesitation, the board moved forward moments later.
“All in favor of the motion of bringing Milton Gaston into position to assist with the collection of trash around the county in this new role,” the board president Carl McGee, before calling for votes
The roll call showed a divided but decisive outcome.
“I got 3,” supervisor McGee stated, indicating votes in favor, followed by one opposition vote by supervisor Lee Gordon and an abstention by supervisor Brooks.
“Motion carries,” supervisor McGee announced, formally approving Gaston’s placement
Earlier in the meeting, supervisors debated how trash collection should be handled countywide, with multiple members stressing the urgency of addressing widespread dumping and litter.
“We’re going to have to have something we can put in place to make sure we pick up this trash on a consistent basis,”supervisor McGee said. “Yes, we can do it.”
Another board member highlighted structural concerns about compensation and sustainability.
“What I do have concerns with is not having a concrete and a solid foundation to stand on going forward when it comes to this compensation,” the supervisor McGee said.
Officials also discussed limitations on using inmate labor and the need for paid staffing to address cleanup needs.
“We still need people out there doing something,” supervisor Gordon said, emphasizing that planning without execution was insufficient.
County leaders said Gaston’s role is expected to provide immediate support while longer-term cleanup strategies are finalized.
