District gives OK to 2020 budget

More deficit spending is expected.

Jay County Solid Waste Management District’s board approved its 2020 budget Friday at a total of $325,092.

The group also discussed what hours its office should be open once its new director steps in full-time.

The 2020 budget is up by $4,211 over the current year, an increase of 1.31 percent. It projects deficit spending of nearly $63,000.

As costs, specifically those involved with recycling trailers, have increased, the district has had a pattern of deficit spending since its year-end balance peaked at about $489,000 at the close of 2015. It dropped to $366,265.46 by the end of 2018.

The only question about the budget was regarding the district’s $10,000 grant to Jay County Soil and Water Conservation District. It had been brought up as a possibility that Jay County Commissioners might take over that grant in order to reduce some of the financial strain on the district. However, commissioners have not yet discussed the grant.

The board — Randy Geesaman, Chuck Huffman, Gene Ritter, Mike Leonhard, Bill Gibson, Chad Aker and Mike Rockwell — decided to approve the budget as-is, knowing that their financial situation could improve if commissioners decide to take over the grant. (Commissioners expect to discuss the issue Monday.)

The district’s budget is subject to review by Jay County Council.

Board members also discussed hours for the district office, which has been closed since the resignation of former director Samantha Rhodehamel in late June. Incoming director George McGinnis brought up the possibility of having extended hours once a week from the previous 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in order to be more accessible. Board members asked McGinnis to monitor activity at the office when he takes over the job full-time — he is still also working at Dayton Progress, which is scheduled to close by the end of September — and come up with recommendations.

The board also clarified that the position will be 35 hours — not 40 — which is what is considered full-time for most county employees.

McGinnis also asked about how to deal with issues when trash is left at recycling trailers. Jerry Klopfenstein of Jay County Landfill offered to help when such issues arise.

In other business, the board:

•Agreed to discuss its recent tipping fee increase with Klopfenstein, who said it represents a significant financial hit to the landfill. The increase to $1.75 per ton from the previous $1.50 went into effect Aug. 1.

•Learned the district brought in $20,029.75 in tipping fees in July on 11,561.18 tons dumped at the landfill. After paying claims totaling $17,128.45, the district has a total of $390.305.39 in its accounts and investments.

•OK’d a new one-year certificate of deposit with Farmers State Bank with an interest rate of 2.15 percent. The approval came on a 6-0 vote, with Huffman abstaining. The New CD will replace the group’s current investment with First Merchants Bank that matures Aug. 31.

•Approved transfers of $122.50 to tire recycling and $10 to dues and subscriptions, both from education grant.