Service fee hike expected in solid waste collection

A $1.50 increase in service fees will be charged in trash collection, the second year the fee will be implemented.

The city auditor recommended the $3 change last year and the city split that up over two years.

The increase was suggested as a way to keep the balance in the fund positive.

At the budget meeting Monday night, Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff outlined to the McCook City Council the proposed expenses and revenue of city's solid waste collection department, that includes trash collection, recycling and the transfer station.

Total revenues expected for solid waste for 2009-10, including trash collection fees at $605,000, is $2.17 million. Total expenses are projected at $2.15 million, for an ending balance of $22,875.

Purchases and upgrades included in the budget are:

* pickup up for recycling, $21,000

* trash containers, $26,000

* one trash collection truck, $160,000.

* loader, four year finance, $22,000

* replace scale at transfer station, $25,000

Rex Nelson, director of the McCook Economic Development Corp., also outlined to the council the budget for the LB840 funds, from money allotted to the MEDC from the half cent city sales tax.

Salaries for MEDC administration have increased by $15,000, Nelson told the council, with the addition of the job coach position. This position had been funded by a grant and these funds have since run out.

The MEDC is estimated to receive $330,000 from one fourth of the half-cent city sales tax. Total revenue estimated for 2009-10 is $1,284,410 and includes interfund transfers of $194,433 and uses of money and property at $5,000.

Disbursements total $1,284,410 with $597,500 from the Keystone Bond, $436,477 from the Economic Development fund, $112,000 for Keystone bond reserve and $138,433 for Keystone Bond redemption