MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — After hearing several concerns in their community, city leaders voted Thursday night to approve the annexation of a landfill.

In a unanimous 6-0 vote, the Murfreesboro City Council voted for authority over the Middle Point Landfill.

The annexation of the landfill simply allows the city to have authority over Middle Point Landfill decisions and makes sure they are following proper guidelines once they're in place.

Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland said the city has been listening to concerns and complaints residents have had over the landfill, and the annexation will give much-needed oversight of it since it impacts the health and quality of life of Murfreesboro residents.

Now, the landfill will have to meet city codes such as property maintenance, stormwater management, fire inspections and more.

A public comment period was held regarding the landfill, and residents spoke about how the annexation was not only needed but should be a priority for residents who have voiced concerns over landfill operations.

"I think if you did a poll today of the citizens of the City of Murfreesboro, and most of Rutherford County, you would find overwhelmingly that the people who live here do not support this landfill," Murfreesboro resident Jeremy said. "They do not support expansion, and I think anything that allows our local community to have more control over how the landfill behaves and the actions they take is a positive move."

City leaders said the landfill will have to follow the same regulations now as any other industrial operation within the city.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/murfreesboro-city-council-votes-to-approve-annexation-of-middle-point-landfill/