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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 28, 1995                   TAG: 9506290041
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: BETTY HAYDEN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                 LENGTH: Medium

COUNTY DISPOSES OF WASTE DISPOSAL

IT'S A REGIONAL RESPONSIBILITY NOW, with a brand-new authority and 19 employees to administer it. Board Chairman Larry Linkous called the move ``one of the best things that's happened in this county in years.''

Montgomery County washed its hands of solid waste disposal Monday night, turning over the responsibility to the newly formed Montgomery Regional Solid Waste Authority.

The Board of Supervisors voted 6-1 to transfer $4.64 million in assets, including the Mid-County Landfill and waste disposal equipment, to the authority. The county also will transfer 19 employees.

"I think it's one of the best things that's happened in this county in years," said board Chairman Larry Linkous.

He cited the escalating cost of solid waste disposal and the benefits of sharing the cost with Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Virginia Tech - the other members who founded the authority with the county on Dec. 8, 1994.

Christiansburg and Virginia Tech preceded the county in reaching a transition agreement and the Blacksburg Town Council listed its pact on the consent agenda for Tuesday's meeting. Items on this agenda usually pass without discussion.

While the county and other members of the authority will continue to collect solid waste for now, their new contract leaves open the possibility for the authority to add collection to its future responsibilities, Linkous said.

The cooperation between local governing bodies on this issue opens the door for future joint projects.

"There's a whole lot of win-win situations that can happen if we work together," Linkous said.

In other business Monday night, the board:

Reappointed Joe Painter to the Community Services Board and added James Rakes.

Reappointed Hassell Booth, William Hager, Rudolph Hensley and Dan Rhudy to the Electrical Examining Board. The board will readvertise to fill a fifth opening.

Named Shawsville resident David McCrumb to the Library Board along with incumbent Floyd Childress III.

Agreed to readvertise to fill a position on the advisory board of the Office on Youth. Incumbents Chip Chernault, March Schnitzer and Albert Camburn will serve with newcomer Rebecca Talton.

Reappointed Guy Wall to the Planning District Commission.

by CNB