The battle over Lee County garbage fees will likely spill over onto ballots in July.
Both political parties think voters should weigh in on whether garbage fees should be tacked onto annual property tax bills.
Even so, the vote is non-binding, and this battle will still have to be decided by a judge.
It's an issue that just stinks no matter how you look at it. The garbage must be picked up, but Lee County has struggled to collect fees. In August, the county was owed more than a million dollars in unpaid garbage fees, and since they've struggled to make people pay. It's now down to about $400,000 owed.
While a judgement works through the court system to put it on property tax bills, Democrats and Republicans are taking the question to the voters.
"The county can't do it because of law they'd have to the legislature to put it on the ballot and this way if both parties agree to it, it's an easy way to do it," said Mike Sabot, Lee County Republican Committee.
In a meeting last week, Lee County Democratic party leaders approved putting the question on July's primary.
"Democrats voted unanimously, overwhelmingly for this to be on the ballot," said Trisha Batten, Lee County Democratic Chairwoman.
Why? Because they believe citizens should have a say, in how they pay.
"It affects everybody, every citizen of Lee County and when you look at it geriatrics, elderly people who are on a fixed income that could become a burden," said Batten.
"Seniors are going to have a hard time meeting their one time bill fee, other people are property owners that have rental property, and tenants take care of it now," said Sabot.
Digging Deeper we found there's also a petition circulating to officially bring it to voters in a binding referendum.
"It would force the county if the probate court approves it, it would force the county, to have a binding vote on whether they should rescind the garbage ordinance," said Sabot.
They need 20 percent of registered voters to sign the petition and they're nearly there. Both Republicans and Democrats say it's not a political issue, but they worry if commissioners add garbage bills to property tax bills, what might be next.
The Republican Leadership is expected to vote on adding the questions to their ballot Monday night.
If you're interested in signing the petition, you must be a Lee County resident.
The petition is available at Katz Flooring, Heldenburg's Advanced Automotive, Lee County Ledger and Sonya's and the Route 66 in Smithville.
Copyright 2012 WALB. All rights reserved.
