COVINGTON, Ga. - The Newton County Solid Waste Management Authority has lowered the cost of its Convenience Center Hang Tags to $75 for those who fall under specific financial parameters.

The authority voted Wednesday to reduce the price by $25 for those who qualify for the hardship reduction.

In order to receive the hardship reduction for the tags, which cost $145, Newton County residents must earn below the following categories:

• Family of 1 $15,075 per year
  
• Family of 2 $20,300 per year
  
• Family of 3 $25,525 per year
  

To receive the reduction Newton County residents must complete an application form and present it to the sales clerk at the Hang Tag office, located in the Newton County Historic Courthouse, 1124 Clark St., Covington. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Applicants must complete the form listing all their sources of income and also show proof of income.  Acceptable proof of income may be any of the following:  Federal Income Tax Return, Social Security retirement statement, pay stub, pension statement, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit determination letter.  Applicants must also show proof of their identity by a driver’s license or identity card and proof of Newton County residency.

To print out the form, please click here.

There is a limited amount of funds set aside for payment of hardship reductions and once these funds are exhausted, no further reductions will be approved.

The Convenience Center Vehicle Hang Tags full price is $145 and are good at any one and all of five convenience centers —2010 Adams Circle, 70 Stone Road, 14645 Highway 36, 10545 Highway 36 and 112 Oak Hill Road — and one recycling only center — 11575 Covington Bypass Road — through June 30, 2017.

The convenience centers accept household garbage, bulk waste and recyclables. The 2017 hang tags are valid through June 30, 2018.

The hang tags may be purchased at the Newton County Historic Courthouse or online at https://www.ncboc.com/online-services/residential-user-access-program.