Abigail Jarbo, a Lebanon resident, asked the City Council to consider reestablishing a city program to let residents leave usable items for others to take at no charge.

Jarbo described how a program in past years divided the city into sections and designated collection areas: "We would take 1 area each year ... and we'd say, okay, this is the year that anyone in the Southeast section can take bulky items that they no longer want and set them in this designated area and the city will dispose of them." She told council the program ended after people from outside the city began dropping off items and the city incurred large disposal costs.

Why it matters: Jarbo framed the proposal as a way to reuse goods and reduce landfill waste while helping residents who cannot afford purchases at thrift stores. Council members raised concerns about management, eligibility and fairness to taxpayers if nonresidents used the program without oversight.

Details: Jarbo suggested several options: a dedicated room where donors sign in; an annual drop-off day with a requirement that donors remove items that remain; or use of existing local organizations such as churches and Jubilee thrift operations. Council members noted alternatives that already exist, including residents placing clearly marked "for free" items curbside and local online swap groups or Facebook Marketplace.

Council questions focused on program oversight and cost. One council member said the earlier program failed mainly because "outside residents or outside people who were not residents dropping things off" created an unfair burden. Another council member praised Jubilee's approach and said management responsibility would be a key challenge.

Ending: Jarbo encouraged the council to explore options and thanked members for considering the idea; council did not schedule a formal follow-up at the meeting.