McLean County and the City of Corydon are requesting to be a part of the Tri-County Recycling Alliance. Pauline Allen, solid waste coordinator for the tri-counties, came before the Union County Fiscal Court last Tuesday to enact a new agreement which would include the two new entities.
The Tri-County Recycling Alliance consists now of Union, Henderson, and Webster counties and the City of Henderson. This non-profit board recently made it possible for citizens to recycle their tires for free as a part of a pilot program for the state. Because of the regional initiative, this area was chosen for the pilot program and will allow residents to recycle their tires until July 1, 2010 for free.
All governing entities in the current alliance must approve the new agreement to allow two new agencies to come into the alliance. All entities within the alliance pay into the budget based on population, and each has one representative on the board. Presently, Union County contributes 20% of the budget for the Tri-County Recycling Alliance, and with the acceptance of both McLean County and Corydon, Union County’s portion would be reduced to 18.5%.
The total budget for this year for the alliance is $89,000.
“Right now, I don’t see any (negatives),” said Allen. “Regional coalitions get more grants and provide more benefits for the communities (they serve).” In the first year of the alliance, our board received 18% of the total available recycling funds from the state because of our regional approach, she said.
The court tabled the matter until the next court meeting to further review the contract.
In other matters:
* In conjunction with America Recycles Day on November 15, all Union County schools will be a part of a trash sculpture project to promote recycling. One winner will be chosen from sculptures made at each school and be displayed at the Union County Courthouse during that week. Entries will be judged on November 14 and the Grand Prize winner will be announced on November 17. For more information call Pauline Allen at 270-830-7544 or Stephanie Thomas at 389-1400.
* The Ambulance Service is asking for a reimbursement of $27,972 for the first quarter of the fiscal year. The Ambulance Committee is reviewing the quarterly reports, and a decision will be made at the next fiscal court meeting.
* The court opened bids for a new ambulance vehicle Tuesday. Judge Jenkins reported that the county missed out on the opportunity for the first emergency vehicle, but after opening bids, are continuing the search for two new vehicles. The low bid came in at $62,570, and the second bid at $63,894. The court gave Greg Ellison of ALS and the Ambulance Committee the authority to make the appropriate decision expediently.
* District 2 Magistrate Jerri Floyd reported that the skate park ramps in Uniontown were completed, and rails are the last step.
* The Whispering Meadows Volunteer Fire Department’s new building almost complete, says Emergency Management Director Vernon Martin. The building passed the electrical inspection, and just a few details are being wrapped up.
*After meeting with Trail Specialist Mike Riter on Tuesday, Judge Jenkins felt that the horseback riding trails at Higginson Henry Wildlife Management Area were well underway to become a great asset to Union County’s Adventure Tourism plan. The judge and magistrates praise the work of volunteers who spent countless hours making the trails kid-friendly again. The judge also thanked State Rep. Dr. John Arnold and Sen. Dorsey Ridley for taking time out their day to attend the meeting with KY Fish and Wildlife and Riter. “I see much more traffic in that area on Saturdays and Sundays now and a lot of interest,” said Jenkins.
