County’s garbage rate going up $2

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Residents who receive garbage pickup service from Morgan County Environmental Services will see their rates increase from $10.50 to $12.50 per month beginning Sept. 1.
County commissioners approved the rate adjustment by a vote of 3-1 at an adjourned meeting July 30. They made the decision after reviewing director Ricky Brooks 2008-09 budget request. Voting in the affirmative were Jeff Clark, Ken Livingston and Kevin Murphy. Stacy George voted no.
Brooks asked for $371,000 for fuel and lubricants, an increase of $181,000 over the prior fiscal year. Other big line item increases requested were $31,000 for an additional employee and $16,000 for increased tipping fees.
He said the fuel request is based on $4.30 per gallon, the additional employee is needed to operate a one-man garbage truck and provide backup for absences and paid vacation days and the tipping fee adjustment is based on a legislative approved $1 per ton fee for the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).
Brooks shared information on what other North Alabama counties are charging for garbage pickup. The rates ranged from a low of $10 in Lauderdale County to a high of $16.90 in Cherokee County. Madison County charges $12 and Franklin County, $15.
Brooks said the $1 million of the reserve is earmarked for construction of the a new
Shop building and office in the Hartselle-Morgan County Industrial Park.
Brooks said he has one five-year-old truck with 100,000 miles on it.