An Athens resident petitioned the Limestone County Commission on Monday to investigate expanding county garbage pickup to include yard clippings and debris.

Sharron Triolo, of Southern Way, said she believes providing the additional service would make a difference in getting families who are moving to this area as the result of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) into Limestone County.

“Since Limestone County is experiencing more of a building boom with more medium- to high-cost homes and subdivisions being planned, the county is quickly progressing from a rural farming community to an urban development community,” Triolo said. “To keep pace with the services usually provided within urban communities, is requested that the Limestone County commissioners investigate expanding the current garbage pickup to also include yard clippings and debris.”

Commission Chairman David Seibert said the county would look into expanding the service. Seibert said the county now provides pickup only once a week for household garbage. That rate is $10.60 per month and is done by private contractor.

“In order to keep Limestone County on an equal competitive basis as Huntsville and Madison (to lure BRAC residents), providing this service could make the difference between a family building in Limestone County versus Madison County,” Triolo told commissioners.

“It is my understanding that yard debris would be disposed of in the same landfill areas as household garbage. Therefore, it is recommended that one alternative be to investigate the added cost of expanding the current contract with CCS Garbage to include debris pickup once or twice a month and passing this cost on to residents of the county,” Triolo suggested.

In other business, commissioners approved two new subdivisions – Graystone Subdivision Phase 1 at the end of School House Road in District 1 and Southern Breeze Subdivision Phase II on Newby Road west of Mooresville Road in District 2.

In addition, the commission adopted a policy of installation of private utility lines on county rights-of-way and changed policy for installation of driveway turnouts on county rights-of-way.

Commissioners approved a 30 miles-per-hour speed limit for Old Scrooge, Toone, and Hodges roads in District 1.

Commissioners also voted to close the courthouse and annexes for one hour on Dec. 14 so county employees may attend a Christmas luncheon.