Town hopes to continue service of collecting green garbage

After a lengthy discussion about the pros and cons of the town controlling its own garbage pick-up versus contracting with Consolidated Disposal Services, the council decided they would like the Town of Odessa to keep control of the garbage collection process.

The Council wants to continue the service of collecting leaves, grass and other organic materials, because its a good service for the residents of the town, emptying containers can be scheduled as needed, and if the Town owns its own truck, bio-solids can be hauled as well.

The bad points of managing the service within the town are that it ties up some staff to do the work and the truck will inevitably need repairs.

The downside of contracting with Consolidated Disposal Services comes from the inability to have the containers emptied when residents call in between regularly scheduled pick-ups and the fact that the contract would require the Town to be locked into the contract for a certain period of time, but the disposal company could raise the rates.

Since the cost of contracting would start out low, but could be raised by Consolidated Disposal Services without the Town having much bargaining power, the Council decided to sell the existing garbage truck and look into buying a different one. Bids for the old truck will be accepted until May 9.

Under other new business, Superintendant Suellen White has contacted the Town to discuss using the swimming pool for two weeks in the fall. The school has received an athletic grant which would allow it to contract for the use of the pool, hire certified lifeguards and staff and give swimming lessons.