Watson Township Supervisor Kevin Travis told his colleagues he is researching the possibility of updating the local recycling program to curbside in the wake of the problems at the drop-off site at the township hall parking lot.

The Township Board has been aware of too many people dropping off garbage and refuse at the site, even old unwanted mattresses, making the site an eyesore.

Watson has not had a curbside recycling program because county officials have said it does not have enough households, so residents have been encouraged to drop off recyclable items in two bins in the parking lot. Unfortunately, the site is being abused, at taxpayers’ cost for cleanup.

Travis said the township has 810 households, which means if they agree to a $25 per year surcharge, the township might be able to reach the approximately $20,000 needed for the program with the $8,000 saved from eliminating the two receptacles and removal.

Travis said he’d like to do something about the “free-for-all” situation that has been occurring at the drop-off site and he has been in discussions with Allegan County Resource and Recovery Director Ben Williams.

In other business at Thursday night’s meeting, the Township Board:

• Scheduled a workshop on the proposed 2017-18 budget for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the township hall.
• Was told by Travis that the township’s bill from Wayland Area Emergency Medical Services is about $7,010 and the bill for fire services from the Hopkins Fire Department is $43,478.
• Approved the reappointments Troy Baker and Bev McKinnon to the Planning Commission. Also reappointed was Jim Lautensleger to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Voted to hire Mark Simpson as the new cemetery sexton, succeeding Pam Brown, who stepped down in November.
• Approved a request for application for a liquor license for the Miller Lake Campground. Watson’s one license is not being used and Miller Lake is asking for it again after having it in escrow. It will permit sales of beer, wine and alcohol at the campground store.

PHOTO: The much-abused recycling site at the Watson Township Hall. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Harris)