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Waste authority looks at options

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WINTERSVILLE - The Belmont-Jefferson Solid Waste Authority is examining options for future operations of the Belmont and Jefferson County Recycling and Litter Prevention programs, according to Patrick Lanaghan, executive director.

"We have some momentum here and, in the long run, the direction of the authority is going to be good," said Lanaghan.
The authority learned in November that both programs will be losing $56,600 in grant funding for the fiscal year, and that will have a significant impact on the programs, said Lanaghan.

Lanaghan noted that the authority simply could choose to do nothing and cut portions of the programs, but "that really isn't an option," he said.

Another possibility is for the authority to absorb the costs, which are approximately $113,200 annually. Lanaghan added the authority currently gives each county's program $80,000 and pays for equipment and vehicle maintenance and other capital expenses. Lanaghan said to absorb the costs no longer covered by the grant would mean a total investment of more than $300,000 annually for the two programs.

Also an option being considered is the consolidation of the programs, said Lanaghan.

Commissioners from each county would have to dissolve the two counties' recycling and litter prevention agencies. The solid waste authority then would form its own recycling and litter prevention agency.

As originally proposed, there would be one recycling director, one education coordinator for each county and five drivers. There are currently 16 employees between the two agencies.

Lanaghan said Monday it was possible that grant funding could be obtained to allow another two employees to be hired if the authority decided to take this action.

As part of the consolidation plan, the recycling director and Jefferson County education coordinator would work out of the authority's office in Wintersville, and the Belmont County education coordinator would work out of a satellite office in that county, according to Lanaghan. The recycling director also would work out of the satellite office a few days a week, he added.

Diane Julio, Jefferson County recycling and litter prevention director, said she would prefer for the authority to absorb the $56,600 shortfall, noting she was concerned the consolidation may force the loss of Jefferson County's 24-member advisory board and Keep America Beautiful certification.

She added the volunteer advisory board is an instrumental force in advancing the program through volunteer work and visibility in the community and giving direction to the program.

Julio said Jefferson County has been participating in the Keep America Beautiful campaign for 24 years.

Jefferson County does not have to pay a membership fee because it has been a part of the program for awhile.

She added through the Keep America Beautiful program, the litter prevention program is able to network with corporate partners and has access to apply for several grants.

Julio said she was concerned if the program was dissolved and re-incorporated under the solid waste authority, then it would loose its Keep America Beautiful certification.

Samantha Carroll, Belmont County recycling litter prevention director, said there are pros and cons in the consolidation of the two programs and in absorbing the costs.

"It's really up to them - the board and the (Ohio Environmental Protection Agency)," said Carroll. "It has pros and cons either way you do it."

Carroll said she wants to see the current services in Belmont County continue at the level they are at, with potential for enhancement in the future. She added she hoped both counties could retain the services residents are currently accustomed to receiving.

"Hopefully, in the future, the services can expand," she said.

Jefferson County Commissioner Adam Scurti, a member of the solid waste authority board, said a decision on the fate of the Jefferson County recycling and litter prevention board has not yet been made by the commissioners.

He added the program will continue to operate as it has been while it is evaluated by the commissioners.

Belmont County Commissioner Mark Thomas, also a member of the solid waste authority board, could not be reached for comment.

FYI:

- Both the Belmont and Jefferson County Recycling and Litter Prevention programs have lost $56,600 each in Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant funding.

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