Unknown Cash Flow Alters Heavy Trash Day


(posted Jan 28)

Cash flow uncertainties caused the Speedway Town Council to change the spring heavy trash curb pickup to a street department drop off day. Solid Waste Commission President Ed Stresino's January 28 proposal for a spring heavy trash curb pickup day will now happen in the fall to give the council a better opportunity to assess cash flows.

At the request town councilor Jeff Hartman, the council agreed in 4-0 to flip-flop the events. Councilor Lu Hillmer was absent. Hartman thought it would be better to wait since tax distributions will not come until November. He was not sure if the town could afford the $16,000 curb pick-up event. He preferred to have the drop off event with a cost estimate of $1,300-$1,400 take place first, giving the council more time to assess the budget.

Clerk Treasurer Sharon Zishka said it is a budgeted item and the council plans to borrow money for the budgeted items to operate the town, so it would be covered.

Council President Gary Raikes agreed that Hartman raised a good point because the state legislature has not passed a property tax reform nor has the Department of Local Government Finance approved the council budget. The DGLF is expected to approve it sometime in August.

Stresino said the spring curb pick is to help maintain the town's appearance before the race. The drop off curtails participation because not everyone is able to transport heavy items like couches, chairs, mattresses, washing machines, water heaters, metal, and carpet to the street department.

Raikes said the town could enforce its ordinance to prevent property nuisances from developing if trash starts piling up.

The council approved for Metlife to offer dental care insurance. The town will reimburse up to 100 % for town employees and 39% for family members.

Jeff Ponist of Commonwealth Engineers said the waste water treatment plant's nitrification towers are complete with no change orders involved. An unusual moss growth inhibited treatment that resulted in ammonia build up. To correct the problem, the media layers were replaced in the 25 foot towers in addition to arms rotating at the top.