THURSDAY, August 13, 2026|
Photo – Hanna Town Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
Hanna residents demanded the town take action on excessive trash and debris.
During the citizens participation portion of Tuesday evening’s Hanna Town Council meeting, resident and Hanna Basin Museum Board President Pam Borrego noted that debris from nearby properties frequently ends up in her yard. She said the situation is worsening with nothing being done about it.
Borrego added that people are moving to Hanna with the impression that they can do whatever they want with their land. She expressed concern that nearby neglected properties will negatively affect her home’s value.
Borrego acknowledged the difficulty of getting homeowners to follow the town’s nuisance ordinances and urged the governing body to address the situation.
Mayor Charlie George said the town is attempting to deal with the matter but warned the process will be slow. When questioned about hiring a code enforcement officer, Mayor George said enforcement falls to the marshal’s office. With only two part‑time officers, all the town can afford, he said they cite violators only when time allows.
Mayor George said the town also cannot afford to hire a separate code enforcement officer.
Museum Board President Pam Borrego asked what happens when a resident files a formal complaint in town hall, complete with pictures of the offending property. She added that previous reports appear to have been ignored. Councilman David Felix said the governing body is working with Town Attorney Mike Roberts on stronger enforcement procedures.
Councilman Felix said the town can fine homeowners, but collecting those fines is difficult. He said the town is collaborating with Attorney Roberts and the marshals to resolve the situation.
Borrego said community members blame the Council for the lack of enforcement, regardless of who’s responsible.
Mayor George said the problem has been going on for at least 50 years, perhaps even as long as Hanna has been a town.
Hanna Basin Museum Board Vice President Diane Springsguth said her neighbor’s garbage blows into her yard. When she informed Marshal Roger Harks, Springsguth said he offered to simply speak to the homeowner. She called for real action.
Springsguth said she was tired of repeated justifications from the marshal’s office. She said that Marshal Dan Starr removed the debris from her yard, including mail addressed to the offending neighbor with the stated intention of using the garbage as evidence.
Springsguth added that she called Marshal Starr to check on the investigation but was told he had forgotten about it. She said being part‑time officers shouldn’t prevent them from issuing tickets to violators of the town’s nuisance ordinances.
Mayor Charlie George committed to addressing the matter, saying he was also upset by the ongoing situation.
Mayor George thanked the residents for bringing the matter to his attention. He said Town Council meetings are the proper place to publicly raise such concerns.
