GARLAND — The issue of trash pickup was discussed at Monday’s Garland Board of Commissioners meeting, along with a subgrant that could generate an additional $2,000 for the town and two upcoming events at the beginning of next month.
Mayor Ralph Smith Jr. addressed the trash issue some Garland residents have experienced.
Trash pickup in Garland is scheduled for Mondays, though some residents’ trash has not always been collected, particularly for those whose property lies outside Garland’s town limits.
The mayor noted that around 90 town residents currently live outside the town limits.
“Normally,” Smith said after the board meeting, “we don’t even know it’s running late.”
He explained that his trash also doesn’t get picked up sometimes.
“I figure out they’re not running when I go out at 4-5 p.m. to pull my trash back and it’s sitting there full of trash. Usually happens right around 4:30 before I figure it out, and we start getting calls about why the trash is running late.”
Smith said he has been working with Mel Acosta, general manager for GFL Environmental in Hope Mills, to address the problem.
“I’ll be honest with you,” the mayor told commissioners Monday. “I was at wit’s end whenever I called him, but he’s really straightened everything out.”
Acosta traveled from Fayetteville to speak with the Board of Commissioners Monday evening.
Acosta noted that he has lived in North Carolina since 1991 and has remained in the state since then.
“This is home for me. My kids were born and raised here, they serve here in Fort Bragg, as well, so I’m very invested in what we do that involves our municipalities, our towns, and our state,” Acosta said.
Acosta left his contact information with the board before leaving, and Smith said “things have leveled off” regarding trash pickup.
Grassroots subgrant
Samantha Hobbs, Garland’s town clerk and finance officer, told commissioners she needed their approval to continue applying for a Grassroots subgrant through the Sampson Arts Council.
The Grassroots subgrants are made possible through the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program. The Sampson Arts Council is accepting applications for the 2026-27 fiscal year through 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1.
The Grassroots program requires recipients to provide matching funds. Hobbs, Smith and commissioners recalled that the town has applied for the subgrant in previous years and has provided $2,000 for the program to match.
Commissioner Sean Melvin made a motion to provide the $2,000 match. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Shavonia West and passed unanimously.
Upcoming events
West gave an update and reminder about the Garland Community Day Parade, which will take place Saturday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m., saying everything is on track.
Mr. and Mrs. John Sexton will serve as grand marshals for the parade. Immediately following the parade will be a car show featuring vintage and classic vehicles.
Interested parade entries may contact West at 910-214-7044 or Barbara Peterson at 910-385-5885. Vendors interested in participating in Community Day can call Sheila Smith at 910-385-5107. Live music will be provided by Frank and the Feelin’ in Cain Park from 5 to 8 p.m.
Commissioners also unanimously approved a special event for Saturday, Oct. 10. Hobbs presented an application submitted by Garland resident Barbara Peterson for a plate sale and benefit for a member of Peterson’s family who has stage 4 cancer.
West made the motion to approve the special event, which was seconded by Commissioner Austin Brown.
Peterson’s family will sponsor the event at the corner of South Front Street and South Ingold Avenue, with no road closures necessary.