A simple suggestion to help remedy a complex problem helped smooth what had become a tense meeting last week of the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors.

At stake was a new trash hauling contract, a seemingly innocuous topic. That changed when the numbers-a possible tripling of fees and closing three transfer stations-were revealed. Board Chairman Kevin Ingle pledged to the attendees that the board was listening.

“We want to hear all that people want to say,” he said. “What you’ve got to say tonight is valued.”

Thank goodness Brian Stanley was in the room. As the level of tension rose, Stanley offered perhaps the simplest, yet likely most effective, solution. Have the attendants at the transfer stations ask customers for a driver’s license or identification that ensures they are Cumberland residents and thus eligible to use the facility.

Stanley told the supervisors that he uses a transfer in Cartersville. “I know we have a lot of tonnage (of trash) over there,” he said. “It’s hard to believe that all of that tonnage is coming from local residents.”

In a telephone interview this week, Ingle talked about the issue. “Trash carried by private contractors should be dumped (in the jurisdiction) where it was generated.”

Checking driver’s licenses or IDs will also provide the county with an accounting of what gets discarded in Cumberland County… and who brought it in.

Stanley’s simple logic might not only save Cumberland County money, it may preserve jobs. One of the options for the Board of Supervisors was to close the transfer stations, an unpopular option that would also cost nine people their jobs.

Kudos to Brian Stanley for addressing a simple problem with an equally simple – and effective alternative. And kudos to the supervisors for listening.