
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, December 19, 1993                   TAG: 9312210242
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

QUESTIONABLE STATEMENTS ON TRASH

The article by Steve Kark on trash changes ``smoothing out'' in Giles County contains some statements that are questionable. The town of Pearisburg continues to desire to work with the county on long range solutions to the solid waste issue. To that point we are discussing with the new county administrator cooperative efforts such as recycling. Ms. Tuckwiller has shown a refreshing willingness to talk with the towns on this issue and we are optimistic that these discussions will benefit all county residents.

We are distressed that the Board has ruled that it is illegal for town residents to use county trash facilities. Our reasons include the fact that all equipment bought to this point by the county has been with general revenues. In effect, county trucks and green boxes were bought in part with tax dollars collected from town residents, who are also county residents. We do not think that very much town trash ends up in the green boxes. With curbside collection of trash, including yard waste, white goods and tires, town residents have limited need for the green boxes.

Pearisburg is placing a dumpster at the town shop for use of citizens who may miss the regular pick up. We anticipate little use of this dumpster due to the curb pick up offered by the town. We are placing this at the request of the county administrator.

The statement attributed to Mr. Compton that ``the towns haven't provided for disposal of things like old refrigerators, etc.'' is totally false. The town has always picked these items up and continues to do so. The service is curbside and available monthly. The town does charge a fee for large items and tires since the disposal of these items now costs the town.

[Larry "Jay"] Williams' statement that the towns had an option to ``join us'' is true to a point. The negotiations with General Refuse and Montgomery County were unilateral and did not involve the towns. We were presented with a take it or leave it situation. The proposed private contract was unacceptable because of the commercial rates proposed. Our largest customer would have faced bills over $1,000 a month versus the $350 charge the town is currently assessing. The landfill contract signed by the county is for $53 a ton versus the $36 rate the town currently pays. The tipping fee difference alone would cost Pearisburg an additional $20,000 annually. This would have necessitated a rate increase. Town council acted in rejecting the county proposals with the best interest of residents and businesses in mind.

Pearisburg is struggling to meet the changing requirements for solid waste collection and disposal. The town wants to help form the long range plan for meeting this issue as a full participant and partner with the county. Please check with the town in the future to determine whether or not we provide a certain service.

Frank Winston, Mayor

Pearisburgo

by CNB