What do the townspeople decide to do about the smell at Miss Emily's house? Why don't they just tell her that her house stinks?

The neighbors complained to Judge Stevens, the mayor, about the smell. The Board of Aldermen met to discuss what to do, and rather than confront Miss Emily, as the young one suggested, they sneak over to her house and sprinkle lime around.

They feel sorry for her because he sweetheat has disappeared.