The Ashe County Board of Commissioners approved revisions to the county solid-waste decal policy Feb. 17 that change issuance dates, add small-business provisions and allow one replacement decal per household per two-year cycle with proof of a vehicle transaction.

County staff presented minor changes intended to reduce administrative burden and improve enforcement at rural convenience sites. Adam (county staff) said the new decals will be a bright green and must be visible to the site attendant when entering a disposal site; residents may keep decals in a glove box provided the decal is visible when entering the site.

The board added policy language for small businesses: small commercial operators may present business documentation to the tax office to request decals rather than receiving them automatically. Staff said the change is to avoid high administrative overhead of a retail resale approach used by another county.

On replacement rules, commissioners agreed to a motion allowing one replacement decal per household during the two-year validity cycle on presentation of proof of vehicle transaction (for example, a new title showing a trade-in). The policy also includes provisions for proof of loss after an accident; staff said accident documentation or insurance records would be accepted.

Other operational details in staff materials: current orange decals were described as valid through Aug. 1, 2025; new decals are to be issued July 1, 2025, and valid through Aug. 1, 2027, creating a one-month overlap to allow residents to obtain new decals.

Why it matters: The policy clarifies how renters and owners should maintain decals, gives a defined remedy for residents who trade or replace vehicles and creates a path for small businesses to obtain decals without requiring the county to run a retail resale program.

Ending: The board approved the staff-recommended revisions as amended; the transcript records the motion, a second and an “all in favor” vote but no roll-call tally in the minutes.