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Figures for the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District 2001 budget were approved for advertising Wednesday by the solid waste district board.
The total budget estimate to be advertised for 2001 is $341,160. The budget for this year is $289,615. The tax rate would increase from approximately $0.0061 to $0.0069.
District Director Marsha Eikenberry's salary would increase from $34,200 to $35,200 if the budget is approved as advertised. Education coordinator Sue Studebaker's salary would increase from $14,950 to $25,000. The reason for the increase is that Studebaker will become a full-time employee instead of part-time.
District board president Avis Gunter asked Eikenberry if a full-time educator is really needed. Eikenberry said it was and that currently Studebaker works 25 to 35 hours a week, depending on what is going on.
Tara Still, district city advisory committee chair, said the CAC members are unanimously in favor of Studebaker being a full-time educator for the district. "We feel she's very dedicated," Still said.
Since the board also approved health and medical insurance for Eikenberry Wednesday, an account for health and medical insurance will be added for $3,200 in 2001.
In the supplies category, the office supplies account will increase from $1,500 to $5,000. The operating supplies account will jump from $0 to $1,500.
Professional legal services will increase by $2,500 for next year.
For the communication and transportation accounts, cellular service will increase from $1,000 to $1,260; conferences from $2,000 to $3,500; and postage from $575 to $800. Meeting expenses will increase by $400.
In the printing and advertising category, advertising will increase from $5,000 to $10,000.
Liability and property insurance will increase by $1,800 to $8,800.
In the repairs and maintenance category, recycling services fund will increase from $138,240 to $144,000, recycling station maintenance will increase to $1,500 and a new category for truck maintenance will be $250.
Money set for tire recycling will increase from $2,500 to $8,000 if the district does not get the permanent household hazardous waste site at 225 S. Union St., Warsaw. Appliance recycling would increase from $1,200 to $4,000, without a permanent HHW site. If they get a permanent HHW site, those monies will not be required.
Eikenberry said the increase for the tire recycling and appliance day recycling funds is in part because the 2000 budget was understated.
Other new categories in the budget include battery recycling, $3,000; reuse activities, $1,000; and composting, $5,000.
In other business, board member Joe Thallemer asked if there was a limit on how much could be spent by the district without the district board's approval. Eikenberry said there was no policy in the past regarding a spending limit.
Mike Armey, attorney for the district, said if it is within the budget, it can be spent. If not, the board would have to approve an additional appropriation.
Thallemer said he was just asking for a clarification of the spending policy.
After adjourning the regular meeting, the board held an executive session to discuss the purchase of real estate.
Members of the SWMD board include commissioners Avis Gunter, Eddie Creighton and Brad Jackson; Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins; Winona Lake Councilman David Delp; and Warsaw Councilman Joe Thallemer.
