Public services highlights arrival of two automated side-loader garbage trucks and invites commissioners to viewing

Hamlin County’s public services committee reported that two automated side-loader garbage trucks are now in the county yard, one of which was ordered in December 2023 and a second that arrived the prior Wednesday, according to Commissioner Mike Richardson during the July 2025 meeting. Richardson invited commissioners and the public to a demonstration at 9:00 a.m. on the coming Tuesday, saying the Citizens Tribune would attend and that county staff intended to provide coffee and breakfast. He described the trucks as the “wave of the future” and said drivers were training on the vehicles; another commissioner noted the trucks have dual steering wheels and described the driver training he observed. Commissioners also noted they had received a truck that had previously been uncertain to arrive, calling the deliveries a “miracle.” The item was an informational update and did not require a vote.