Dickson County Commission Adopts Policy to Address Aging Solid Waste Debt

Charlotte, TN — In a move aimed at improving financial accountability and aligning with state requirements, the Dickson County Commission approved a new policy this past Monday night governing how aging solid waste debt is handled.

The measure, adopted during the March 16, 2026 commission meeting, allows the county to remove certain long-outstanding solid waste accounts from its financial records while still preserving the ability to collect in specific cases.

Cleaning Up the Books

The County Attorney explained that the policy is designed to bring Dickson County into compliance with state standards that discourage governments from carrying old, uncollectible debt on their books indefinitely.

Under the new policy, accounts that have reached a certain age and meet specific criteria can be written off, meaning they are no longer counted as active receivables in the county’s financial statements.

The change does not necessarily mean the debt disappears—it simply reflects a more accurate picture of what the county can reasonably expect to collect.

“This is about conforming to state requirements,” the attorney said, noting that governments are expected to regularly review and remove outdated accounts that are unlikely to be recovered.

Not a Free Pass

Officials emphasized that the policy includes important safeguards.

Accounts will not be written off if there is still a realistic path to collection. For example, if a debt is tied to real property or if active collection efforts are ongoing, it can remain on the books.

The policy also gives the solid waste department authority to manage this process, allowing for a more consistent and standardized approach to reviewing old accounts.

In short, the county is not forgiving debt across the board—it is distinguishing between what is collectible and what is not.

Routine but Important Governance

The policy was approved without opposition and with little debate.

Still, it represents an important piece of behind-the-scenes governance—one that ensures Dickson County’s financial practices remain aligned with state standards and best practices in public finance.