Lauderdale County supervisors Thursday opened bids for roadside garbage pickup. The county currently has dumpsters where residents bring their own garbage.

Five bids were submitted at a work session. Board president Hank Florey said he's pleased to see competition for the proposal. And he was also surprised to see how low the bids are.

But Florey said he wants county residents to know that no decision has been made yet.

The trash debate has been a source of constant disagreement for over a decade, which will no doubt make this vote a controversial one when it takes place.

For this reason, Florey said the board will spend some time analyzing the bids to make a choice that is best for the county.

"We haven't voted to go door to door or retain what we have or any other system," said Florey. "We haven't done that. We merely took bids to see where we are and what the expense would be. We are trying to save money. Probably the route we go will be where we save taxpayers' money and that is what we will do. "

As for when a vote will be taken on this issue, supervisors say they aren't sure. But they do say they believe it will take a couple of weeks to study the proposals. Action is not expected during Monday's board meeting.