Published: July 14, 2008 09:42 am         

Tire disposal fees going up in Garrett

OAKLAND - For the first time in more than 10 years, some prices will be going up for the disposal of old tires in Garrett County, largely due to increases in fuel prices.

"The current contract price to haul and dispose of scrap tires is $210 per ton," Andrew Damon, administrative coordinator of Garrett County Solid Waste and Recycling, said. "We collected 29 tons in the last year. The revenue collected was $5,435. At this same fee, it will be $655 less than the hauling cost and fees."

He told the county commissioners at their meeting Tuesday morning that the nearly year-long period from July 1, 2007, to June 15, 2008, showed that the current fees were not going to be enough to cover the $6,090 cost of hauling and disposal for 29 tons.

Damon proposed increasing the fee for certain types of tires, including tires less than 17 inches, which will increase from $2 to $3, and tires of the same size with a rim, which will increase from $5 to $6. Passenger and truck tires by weight would also increase $50 to a total of $250 per ton.

There was some question as to whether they wanted to ensure that residents bring tires directly to the landfill or to businesses. Commissioner Ernie Gregg said he didn't feel that if the landfill is within a dollar difference of the local businesses it would make much difference where people disposed of their tires.

Damon said while there will be an anticipated profit with the new rates, it isn't an effort to make money, but to try to ensure the department doesn't lose money.

The commissioners ap-proved the fee changes.

The cost of other items in the county budget continues to go up as well. Fred Polce, director of the roads department, said there were about 16 miles of road work not completed in the previous fiscal year and that money will go toward the fuel for vehicles.

"It has helped our budget, but the money is offset by being over for gas," Polce said.

Polce also gave an update on where projects in the county stand. The bridge crew has finished work on Negro Mountain, but plans to do work in the Swanton area were changed to do work on Mill Run in Friendsville.

After a severe mud and dirt slide, the crew will put blocks up along the creek, but the road is open as work progresses.

Crews were paving Michael Road on Tuesday, with Westernport Road, Twin Churches Road and Green Lantern Road slated on the upcoming schedule. Green Lantern, he explained, was planned for fiscal 2008, but was moved to this fiscal year.

Gary Mullich, director of general services, described increased activity at the airport. The contract has been awarded for the second set of T-hangars, and Mullich said that despite gas prices, work is being done to keep the price in line with original goals.

Jerry Bell, project manager for general services, said the new County Roads Department on Francis Sanders Road in Mountain Lake Park is nearing completion. He said that it looks like it will be completed in September or October, with the roads department doing the asphalt and paving stone at the site once the building is completed.

The County Public Works Complex is under way at the same location. He said foundation has been completed, but with the recent wet weather, he couldn't be sure if the project would meet the original October timeline. He expects to have a more definite answer in another month.

Contact Sarah Moses at smoses@times-news.com.