THOMASVILLE — In the wake of a deluge of malfunctioning equipment and a monetary shortfall, Thomas County commissioners voted Tuesday to cease commercial debris collection.

Three pieces of sanitation equipment recently malfunctioned simultaneously. Two of the equipment pieces would have to be replaced if commercial collections continue, Commissioner Mark NeSmith said at the Tuesday board meeting.

The service, which ends June 30, collected debris from commercial locations, such as construction sites.

The service is losing thousands of dollars annually, NeSmith said.

The county collects debris and takes it to the landfill for a fee of $95 per load. The customer also pays a landfill fee to dispose of the debris.

NeSmith said county government competes with six private companies that perform the service. The City of Thomasville also provides the service.

“It’s competition now,” the commissioner said.

No one will lose their job with cessation of the service, Tony Bodiford, county public works director, said after the commission meeting.

Officials said they are announcing ending the service now to give county customers time to make other collection arrangements.

In related action Tuesday, commissioners approved the purchase of equipment to be used by sanitation workers at county trash sites — a 2019 sanitation roll-off truck and system from Performance Peterbilt in Albany for $169,724.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820