slideshow

Joe P. Asher

Staff Writer

The Cumberland City Council is considering outsourcing garbage collection within the city. During a special called meeting on Tuesday, the pros and cons of such an arrangement were discussed.

Carl Towne, a representative of Waste Connections, addressed the council concerning the costs of purchasing a new truck.

Mayor Carl Hatfield inquired if Waste Connections would consider purchasing the city’s current garbage truck, which according to Hatfield is in poor shape.

“If we purchased it, all we could give you is what municipal equipment dealers would give us,” said Towne. “What we would suggest is that you just go to them direct. But we would help you.”

Towne explained Waste Connections purchasing the truck is not the best option.

“For a 12 year old truck it really doesn’t make a lot of sense,” said Towne. “We could get a price based on an appraisal and that’s what we would offer you, but we would turn right around and sell it.”

Hatfield asked Towne about the price of a new truck.

“If we decided not to go this route and wanted to buy a new truck, what would a new truck cost us?” asked Hatfield.

“You guys get tax breaks that we don’t,” explained Towne. “I think a truck for you right now would be a minimum of about $165,000 to $170,000.”

Hatfield pointed out the current truck is costing the city money.

“This truck we have, we’ve invested about $6,000 in repairs just in August alone, and we’ve got another $1,000 pending for springs and brakes,” said Hatfield.

The council decided not to make a decision at this time, but plans to have the issue on the agenda at the next council meeting for more discussion and a possible vote.

In other council activity:

* A resolution was passed establishing a penalty for collecting delinquent property taxes by the Harlan County Clerk’s Office;

* A resolution was passed establishing a penalty for collecting delinquent taxes by the Harlan County Sheriff’s Office;

* A resolution was voted on and passed declaring support of Trail Town Development.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510 or jasher@heartlandpublications.com