Tipping fee increase suggested

By ANNEMARIE SCHUETZ
Posted 10/13/20

MONTICELLO, NY — Given the financial shortfall expected this year, it’s no surprise that all county departments are looking for ways to bring in more money. 

Including Public …

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Tipping fee increase suggested

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MONTICELLO, NY — Given the financial shortfall expected this year, it’s no surprise that all county departments are looking for ways to bring in more money. 

Including Public Works. 

“We’ll start off with a conversation on solid waste,” said commissioner Ed McAndrew at the October 8 public works committee meeting. 

Within that enticing prospect, he suggested fee increases. The per-ton cost to get rid of construction and demolition waste, as well as municipal solid waste, would go from $100 per ton to $110 per ton. Bag fees would go up a dollar from $2 to $3 per bag. 

The increase would bring in over $700,000 a year, McAndrew said. The bag fee increase would bring in about $250,000.

“Our commercial haulers won’t appreciate it,” said chair George Conklin, but they’d pass it on to the users. When it comes to the bag fee, he said, “People go to the transfer station because it’s a better deal.” But even at a 50-percent increase, “I don’t believe that’s out of the question.” 

After all, it was pointed out, years ago they charged $4 for a dark bag and $2 for a clear bag. Maybe any sort of trash could be snuck into the landfill in a dark bag. Anyway, point being, county residents had paid even more to dump their trash in the past. 

Legislator Joe Perrello weighed in, suggesting that it’s time to modify the system. “People come in, throw their bags into the garbage, and then put their tickets into the cup.” And the staff can’t easily see if the bags and tickets match up. It’s unclear if residents are taking advantage of the system that way. If that could be sorted out, then the county might see more bag-fee profits.

Discussion ensued, and it was resolved that without adding staff, that wouldn’t be easily resolved. 

But to bring in significant revenue from what the committee agreed was a reasonable request? Absolutely.

If approved by the full legislature, the increase wouldn’t take place until January 1, giving haulers some advance notice, McAndrew said.

public works, financial shortfall, sullivan county,

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