Change could save $$ for district

Changing recycling trailer providers could save money.

The timeline for being able to do so is unclear.

Jay County Solid Waste Management District’s board was presented with a cost comparison Monday that shows it could save nearly $35,000 annually by switching to Best Way from current provider Waste Management.

The board also discussed the possibility of installing security cameras at its district office.

Discussions at solid waste management district board meetings over the last few months have revolved around finding ways to cut spending. The district has seen its budget increase from $189,810 in 2013 to an original proposal of $375,215 for next year. The board worked to cut that 2019 amount to $311,881, approving its 2019 budget Monday, but still projects deficit spending next year.

A large chunk of the cost increases for the district are the fees for hauling recycling trailers to and from sites in Portland, Dunkirk, Redkey, Salamonia, Pennville and Bryant. Prior to 2015, the district was charged a flat fee of $220 per trailer. Under a new system put in place that year, Waste

Management began charging up to $318 per trailer. By the end of the current three-year contract, costs will be as high as $359 for some trailers.

Best Way presented the district with a proposal that would charge a flat rate — $210 — for hauling the trailers. Estimates show that switching to Best Way would save the district nearly $3,000 per month.

The dilemma for the district board now is that it approved its current Waste Management contract last fall. It runs through April 2021.

Board members Randy Geesaman, Chuck Huffman, Mike Leonhard, Barry Hudson, Bill Gibson, Jeanne Houchins and Gene Ritter discussed their options Monday, deciding to have county attorney Bill Hinkle look into the contract. They suggested there might be a way to get out of the Waste Management contract early or to renegotiate with the company based on Best Way’s offer.

They tabled the issue for further discussion at their October meeting.

The board also discussed installing a security system at its office after a pile of broken televisions was left at the site this month. Cleaning up the mess cost the district about $1,200, as all of the valuable components in the televisions had been stripped out prior to being dumped at the office.

District director Samantha Rhodehamel noted that while they are not typically as large a mess as was left this month, the district falls victim to unauthorized items being left several times a year.

She presented a quote for $3,362 for a four-camera security system from Secret Securtity Systems, Portland. Leonhard suggested that the district seek additional quotes on the security system before making a decision, and the board tabled the discussion.

Rhodehamel also reported to the board that numbers were strong for the free shredding and landfill days held Friday and Saturday, respectively. A total of 89 residents made use of the free shred day, up from 70 last year. Landfill numbers were about even year-to-year, with 149 vehicles passing through this year compared to 152 in 2017.

In other business, the board:

•Approved an interlocal agreement with county commissioners for the purchase of a new truck. The district will purchase the vehicle, which will be titled to the county, and pay the premium for insurance.

•Learned the district brought in $21,081.89 in August on 12,168.48 tons dumped at Jay County Landfill. The board paid claims totaling $145,068.47, leaving the district with a total balance in checking, savings and investments of $391,715.16.

•Heard a re-education training for volunteer groups that work at Saturday recycling trailers will be held in October.