Maysville, KY -

Contact Us |

Subscriber Services

Search Archives

	Advanced Search

Local News

Garbage collection takes a bite out of city budget

By BARBARA GOLDMAN

Monday, October 6, 2008 6:27 PM EDT

Print this story | Email this story

The city of Maysville averages $700,000 a year in costs related to garbage collection.

Despite predictions almost 10 years ago that the number would increase in the then approaching decade, it has remained steady since 1999. Despite that, the costs still takes a big bite out of city coffers each year.

According to City Manager Ray Young, money budgeted for trash collection is spent on labor, equipment and tipping fees charged at the Mason County Landfill where garbage collected at the curbside eventually ends up.

The residential property tax brings in an average of $650,000 per year, said Young. The property tax does not cover the garbage collection.

"It's a pretty good deal for property owners," said Young.

The only fee ever imposed, said Young, is an extra fee for hauling trees and limbs.

"Everything else is free," said Young.

Young said the city offers a chipper truck, which shreds debris on a daily basis. If a stop takes more than 20 minutes, the homeowner will be billed $50 for the hour, he said. The fee was imposed after the city found that some residents were hiring contractors to trim trees and brush but the contractors failed to remove the debris, leaving it instead for the city to remove.

"We don't think people out to pay for something a contractor is already getting paid for," said Young.

Young attributed the city's steady yearly average to efforts to cut back on costs.

Four years ago, two garbage trucks covered city routes five days a week, with two employees per truck. Now there is one truck used three days a week with two employees to collect trash.

"It leaves time for additional jobs," said Young. "It's a cost saving measure we instituted about four years ago."

Despite the cutbacks, the city has continued to provide the same services.

The city is required by ordinance to pick up residential household garbage from occupied homes.

"Not unoccupied homes," said Young. "Mostly for public health reasons to get it off of the street."

Residents are required to place garbage for collection in sealed bags or trash containers. Boxes are not allowed since they can break open easily, leaving scattered trash throughout neighborhoods, he said.

Construction items are also banned from routine garbage collection, said Young.

"We will pick up large bulk items such as couches and chairs, but by appointment only," Young said.

Those needing to make an appointment are asked to contact the city's Public Works Department.

According to a city ordinance, trash should not be set out for pick up more than 12 hours before collection is scheduled.

"For the most part we don't have any problems with garbage collection," said Young. "The citizens really do a great job."

Recycling is also offered for free. Residents currently not enrolled in recycling can do so by requesting a recycling container, also from the Public Works Department.

"We encourage people to recycle," said Young. "It's the environmentally friendly thing to do."

Contact the Maysville Public Works Department at 606-795-0419.

Contact Barbara Goldman at barbara.goldman@lee.net or by calling 606-564-9091 ext. 274.

Reader Comments

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.

wondering wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:32 PM:

" is this story printed before we get hit with high garbage collections? "

sandy wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:52 PM:

" I have been very happy with the trash service in the city. They have picked up everything that i have ever set out. "

Add your own comments:

Copyright © 2009 Maysville Newspapers, Inc., A Lee Enterprises Publication

This site is protected by applicable copyright laws and no part may be reproduced, transmitted or used in any way other than its intended purpose without the prior written permission of The Ledger Independent.
Click here to view The Ledger Independent's privacy policy.
Click here to view current print advertisements.

	Photo Galleries

	Local Links

	Calendar

	Yellow Pages

	Real Estate

	Kentucky Crosswords

	Movie Listings

	Kentucky Lottery

	Ohio Lottery

Services
	Subscribe

	About Us

	Place a Classified Ad

Submit a:
	Birth Announcement

	Engagement Announcement

	Wedding Announcement

Community News
	Adams County

	Bracken County

	Fleming County

	Georgetown, Ohio

	Lewis County

	Ripley, Ohio