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KALISPELL - A debate over garbage has some residents from the Bigfork area upset, but on Tuesday the Flathead County Solid Waste Board put off a decision on the future of a green box site.

The meeting drew a packed room and in the end, board members tabled the decision for six months to see if a committee could come up with a better plan.

County landfill officials have proposed shutting down the Bigfork and Lakeside green box sites, where residents take their garbage, to consolidate operations into Creston and Somers. The move would save about $60,000.

Bigfork residents expressed their concerns to the board for about an hour.

"The six months will probably be well short of what would be needed to provide you with a well thought out, well-organized and comprehensive plan," Peter Leander said.

"It's not just about county costs. It's about how to best provide services at the best price effectively and efficiently for this community," commented Paul Mutascio.

Board members say they have many concerns with the Bigfork green box site, including safety. But residents say they have safety concerns driving to the Creston and Somers sites.

A special work group comprised of four Bigfork area residents and two district staffers will try to come up with an alternative plan.