Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
With a 31 percent budget cut for 2003, the Kosciusko County Solid Waste District Board of Directors is seeking alternative funding sources to maintain the district's services.
Tuesday the board reviewed a letter from Tony Schroeder, Allied Waste Industries general manager of the Kosciusko County Landfill. In the communication, Schroeder indicated that any increase in fees would compel customers to dispose of their waste at an alternate facility.
"Tipping" fees at the local landfill are the lowest in the region at $1.30 per ton for trash from Allen County and $1.50 for out-of-state tonnage.
The maximum levy is $2.50 per ton.
A response from Michael Armey, the district's lawyer, indicates the current agreement is terminable and the district can institute a statutory tipping fee to meet its obligations.
Tipping fee income from January through July this year averaged $12,300, ranging from $10,350 to $15,173. September's tipping fee income from Allied was $16,450.54, the largest since June 2001.
Executive director Sue Studebaker said the Big Lots recycling station will not be replaced following a fire there Oct. 3. The portion that wasn't burned has been moved to behind the Recycling Depot, 220 S. Union St.
In other business, the board:
• Heard from Jim Stafford, of Stafford Waste Management, who said he would be willing to adjust the current contract if a renewal is negotiated. Stafford's currently maintains 12 recycling stations throughout the county. The number of stations will be cut in half and glass collection will end next year.
• Approved a request by Studebaker to attend a two-day workshop in Bloomington Oct. 24 and 25. The Waste Audit Workshop is hosted by the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District.
• Heard the district's fall newsletter has been distributed. Readers are asked to fill out a survey on page four of the publication and send or fax it to the district.
Board of directors are Ron Truex, Brad Jackson, Avis Gunter, George Clemens and Ernie Wiggins. Tom Anglin and David Delp were absent.
