County discusses option of Fort Riley taking over receiving recycling again

Recycling was the main topic of business for the weekly Marion County Board of Commissioners on Monday. Chair Dave Mueller was absent but everyone else was present.

Weed/HHW/Transfer Station/Recycle Director Josh Housman gave an update on Department business letting the commissioners know that he is still a few employees short.

Commissioner Kent Becker told Housman that he got a call from Fort Riley and they reported that they are ready to start taking recycling again which he feels would be really helpful to Hillsboro and Marion. The issue is that Wednesdays are the best days for Fort Riley, but that may not work best for Housman and his staff.

Commissioner Jonah Gehring asked if Housman had a trailer that could be used just for recycling that could be loaded until full and then hauled off on Wednesdays. Housman stated he would have to figure out how to get the recycling there as far as staff. He said he could probably only get about one ton in a truck and there is more than that between the two towns.

Cost has also been an issue for recycling since the cities have had to charge households for recycling in order to pay for the current company (Stutzmans) to pick up. The board discussed if there was a way to reduce cost and increase interest in recycling.

Becker expressed concern that they would miss out on this opportunity if they don’t act quickly. He suggested Housman call and see if Friday is an option for Fort Riley since that works best for Housman and to see how many tons they can take.

Marion County Park & Lake Superintendent Isaac Hett gave a department update. He told the board that the lighting is now all updated and completed in the Lake Hall and looks great.

“The painters came out and got started on Friday in the Lake Hall, bathrooms and office. They are hoping to be done by the end of the week,” said Hett.

Hett reported that the July 2 fireworks show went really well and they had a lot of people attend. The next event will be the 2022 Bluegrass Festival which will be at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 5.

In other business, the board:

n met in executive session regarding personnel performance for non-elected employment with EMS Director Travis Parmley, the board and County Clerk Tina Spencer. No action taken.

n heard from County Engineer Brice Goebel regarding various road and bridge projects.

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