CLARKS SUMMIT — Trash contract options were discussed at a special town hall meeting, which was held at the Clarks Summit Fire Company on Wednesday, June 17.
Borough manager Virginia Kehoe explained that $635 is paid by an average household in borough taxes. She said that a third of the Clarks Summit’s budget account for the police department, a third for Department of Public Works and a third for trash/recycling.
She said that the Clarks Summit police department provides coverage 24/7, 365 days a year. She mentioned that the DPW provides road maintenance and emergency services that are also everyday. She also said that the budget is also dedicated to controlling stormwater, urban planning and design and enforcing zoning ordinances.
“That $635 I think goes a long way, and I think that council is pretty efficient in making use of your money,” she told the attendees.
Kehoe said that the borough’s millage, which has been stable for years, is 31.5 mils. She listed the funds that the state allows the borough to have including a general fund, a pension fund for the police and DPW employees, and a fire fund for the fire company. She mentioned that the state doesn’t allow a separate trash fund.
Factors in choosing bidders included weekly or bi-weekly pickups, pickups for bulk items weekly or monthly, and recycling biweekly or monthly.
“The end result of all our bids is the best price, the most efficient price is actually to keep the services the way they are,” said Kehoe. “It turned out by reducing pickup of bulk items or recycling to less frequency. So, you don’t have to worry about your services changing.”
Kehoe confirmed that 13.5 of the 31.5 mils will be going to the trash pickup. She said that the bid, which was quoted this year, will rise from $585,000 a year to $915,000 a year. She said that the millage will increase to 20.35. She said that the only bidder was JP Mascaro & Sons, who has been doing trash services for the borough.
Council reconvened before the work session on Wednesday, May 31, to make a decision. Council voted to approve a five-year contract with JP Mascaro & Sons.
