Trash cost on rise in Redkey (10/17/2008)

REDKEY - Fees for trash collection, paid by residents and business owners here with their water bill statements, will be increasing.

In order to keep pace with rate increases from the town's private contractor for the service, BestWay Disposal, council members voted unanimously Thursday night to approve second and final reading of an ordinance change, increasing the monthly fee for once-a-week residential pickup from $8 to $10, and the monthly fee for trash collection from businesses from $16 to $20.

Also Redkey council members noted that BestWay and the town have scheduled a fall cleanup and town-wide pickup for large items for Saturday.

Unwanted items should be put near the curbs in front of homes and businesses on that date. Hazardous substances and old automobile and truck tires will not be taken.

For more information call town hall at (765) 369-2711.

In other business at Thursday night's meeting, council members:

•Noted that the town's current boil order will probably remain in effect until Wednesday. The recent boil orders in the community have resulted from complications concerning construction and water main relocation work.

•Started preparing for winter weather ahead, by agreeing to purchase approximately the same amount of ice melt and rock salt as last winter. Total cost should be a little over $1,000, clerk-treasurer Sandy Kirby said.

•Noted that the street resurfacing slurry seal program was nearly complete. The project has been going very well and improvements are evident, Terri Taylor, council member in charge of the street department, said.

•Tabled a proposal by Taylor and street department superintendent Bill Tressler to purchase an underground utility line locater for $3,100 from Midwest Meter. With all the construction work scheduled in the community, this unit "should pay for itself," Taylor said. Further discussion on the proposal was postponed until after the start of the new budget year in January.

•Heard a financial report from Kirby that the town had finally received its June draw of property tax money this month, and she was in the process of paying back transfer loan amounts to various town funds. The tax draw for the general fund totaled approximately $87,500, she said.

•Pointed out that the town's agreement to have Critter Control of Pennville patrol for stray cats and dogs will expire at the end of October.

•Heard a report from Fire Chief Randy Young that the volunteer fire department's annual costume contest for children will begin at 5:30 p.m. in front of the fire station on Friday, Oct. 31. Trick or treat hours on Oct. 31 will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Young said.[[In-content Ad]]