VIDALIA, La. &045; Some people take it for granted that when they put their garbage cans out on the street in the morning, they’ll be empty later in the day.

But it’s not a well-meaning garbage fairy who picks up the trash around the parish. It’s a group of fellows employed by Diamond Disposal who must be paid for their service.

The 1 percent sales tax that pays for garbage pickup in the unincorporated areas of Concordia Parish is up for renewal Saturday.

And while the tax faces no apparent opposition, Police Jury Secretary Russell Wagoner said it’s still important that parish residents take some time out of their day to vote for it.

&uot;Our whole garbage program hinges on this tax,&uot; Wagoner said.

Originally ratified in 1992, the tax generates approximately $600,000 each year for garbage service to more than 5,000 residents from Shaw to L’Argent.

The tax is collected in all corners of the parish except for inside the corporate limits of Vidalia and Ferriday. The Concordia Parish Police Jury reimburses Ridgecrest and Clayton for the funds they devote to the program.

The jury pays about $5.40 per household per month for garbage service.

Wagoner said that in the unlikely event that voters fail to approve the tax, a great fiscal crisis will ensue, with funding to other vital programs going to cover the shortfall.