Thurmont talks trash,
re-forms recycling committee

(2/24) The Town of Thurmont is in a quandary about what to do with rising trash fees projected by Frederick County this year.

The county is estimating a substantial increase in the cost per ton of trash hauled to the county's landfill, effective in July.

Residents will bear the burden of that increase in their property taxes.

At Tuesday's town meeting, board members discussed the possibility of separating town trash fees from the town taxes so residents would know how much they are paying for each.

With an estimated increase of 2 cents per $100 of assessed property value, property owners will pay about 12 cents per $100 of assessed value just for trash, they said. That increase would boost the tax rate from its current 27.3 cents to 29.3 cents per $100 of assessed value.

The owner of a home valued at $350,000 would pay an extra $70 per year just to cover trash costs, with the total cost about $1,025.50 per year.

Frederick Board of County Commissioners Vice President Michael L. Cady (R), who attended Thurmont's meeting Tuesday, said the increase in trash fees is necessary because the landfill is nearly full. Creating a transfer station to handle the county's growing trash is necessary to handle the load.

Mayor Martin Burns asked for residents to contact the board and give comments on whether the fees should be separated.

Commissioner Ron Terpko volunteered to re-form the town's Recycling Committee. Increased recycling will reduce the amount of trash the town has to take to the county landfill.

Terpko is seeking about five volunteers, some from schools, to assist with the committee and help plan an information campaign to increase the town's participation in recycling. Anyone interested in participating in the new committee should send a letter of interest to the town hall, 10 Frederick Road, Thurmont, MD 21788.