Dorr Township Clerk Debbie Sewers plans to attend the Thursday, March 23, meeting of the Allegan County Solid Waste Planning Commission to inquire about placing a ballot proposal for the next available election.
Local townships are being asked to increase their support for the recycling program because the costs have increased. Allegan County Recycling/Solid Waste Coordinator Ben Williams has spoken to the board about the issue and noted eight of nine townships in the county in last August’s primary election passed requests to increase residents’ bills from $25 to $36 per year.
Dorr Township Supervisor Jeff Miling explained that if Dorr does not approve the request for $11 more per year, any shortfall would have to be handled by the township’s general fund budget. Dorr currently has a curbside recycling program.
However, citizen Bernie Schumaker told the board Thursday night he opposes the second part of the proposal, which would no longer allow any household to opt out of the program. He said those who don’t want to take part in recycling shouldn’t have to pay for the service.
Miling said the latest proposal is an attempt to balance the books for recycling, which has seen its costs rise significantly in recent years. He said the increase is only $11 per year per household and the program has to operate without a deficit.
Schumaker has long contended that those who don’t want curbside recycling shouldn’t have to pay for it.
Curbside recycling service fees have been $25 per year until recently in the county. But increasing costs have forced the program to increase yearly fees from $25 to $36 with no opt-out clause. The increase in revenue will mean many of the municipalities will halt operating in the red and ensure the economic viability of the program.
The Waste Reduction surcharge results in the primary election last August were Gun Plain Township, Yes 76%; Leighton Twp., Yes 57%; Heath Twp., Yes 72%; Martin Twp., Yes 65%; Hopkins Twp., Yes 59%; Otsego Twp., Yes 69%; Salem Twp., Yes 59%, and Wayland City, Yes 67%.
Saugatuck Township rejected the proposal by 54% to 46% last August.
If Dorr Township votes against the recycling surcharge increase, the costs of the service will have to be absorbed in the township’s general fund budget.
Back in the 90’s we were informed that we would be charged a fee if we did not participate in the recycling program. That was my first introduction to the results of our country entering into an effort to reduce trash, and increase recycling.
Your comment is NOT CORRECT! The township is NOT going to make up the difference for recycling!!! If you have to put stuff of your web site, you should make sure it is correct. (You are not a Legal Reporter) so the people who reads you stuff shouldn”t believe any of it……
What is a legal reporter?