(4/17) The Taneytown Council noted at its April 8 and 13 meetings that the costs of trash and recycling services will likely increase going into 2021.
Acting City Manager James Weiprecht stated that he will be preparing some projected service cost numbers to reflect likely increases in trash and recycling services, so that the board can consider the effect that it might have on the 2021 budget.
Weiprecht
said, "The county is contemplating some revisions to their fee structure there, so we will work up some numbers should we want to adjust our budget accordingly."
Mayor Bradley Wantz stated previously, at the April 8 meeting, "We may have to look at the budget between now and the public hearing, with the county commissioners announcing some increases in landfill fees, refuge tipping fees, as well as our recycling fee, (which) are going to go into effect in January."
"That's going to affect our municipal trash (expenses) because it's all taken there (county landfill). So, that's probably going to take a pretty big hit on the budget," Mayor Wantz said, adding, "I talked with the other mayors in the county, and it's unfortunate that's going that way."
"There is going to be a charge (increase) and it's $30 a ton in recycling starting January, tipping fees for regular trash is going up a dollar (per bag). Again, it is something we're going to have to account for in the budget. We do have some time to look at that, but just be aware that that may change," he said.
Regarding other trash collection issues, Weiprecht
told the town council at the board's April 13 meeting, "We have been seeing an increase in the number of folks who are putting bulk items out for curbside collection on a weekly basis, and then the complaints go on social media when it doesn't get picked up."
"Just a friendly reminder for folks to only put out refuse and rubbish in trash cans, no bulk items, and the city will be rescheduling a bulk trash pickup day once we can schedule that with the landfill, and social distancing and everything is a thing of the past," he said.
At the April 8 meeting, Weiprecht
stated that the landfill used by the town "could no longer commit to being open on the day we had hoped to do curbside bulk trash, so at this point, bulk trash is going to be delayed." As far as when bulk trash pickup might begin anew, he could only state, "It's not going to be beginning in May. The date is yet to be determined."
