By Megan Lewis
For the Sidney Daily News
JACKSON CENTER — Jackson Center and The North Central Ohio Solid Waste Management District have renewed their interlocal agreement with Republic Services. The new 5-year term agreement is set to begin on March 1, 2024, and will last until Feb. 28, 2029.
Council also heard the first reading or an ordinance that will set-up the new rates and charges for refuse removal services in Jackson Center
In March 2024, the flat rate fee for those who rent the 96-gallon tote will not exceed $17.90 per household, while recycling will be limited to $4.01 per month. The 30-gallon trash bags the village sells in bundles of 10 will cost $32.50 a bundle.
In March 2025, the flat rate fee will not exceed $18.80 per household, while recycling will be limited to $4.21 per month. The trash bags will cost $34 a bundle.
In March 2026, the flat rate fee will not exceed $19.73 per household, while recycling will be limited to $4.42 per month. The trash bags will cost $35.50 a bundle.
In March 2027, the flat rate fee will not exceed $20.72 per household, while recycling will be limited to $4.64 per month. The trash bags the village sells will be discontinued at this point.
In the final year, March 2028, the flat rate fee will not exceed $21.76 per household, while recycling will be limited to $4.87 per month.
Councilman Wayne York brought up what are the residents supposed to do who depend on the trash bags since they don’t make enough garbage to buy a tote. Village Administrator Bruce Metz said the reason for the discontinuation is due to the lack of sales in the trash bags and the fact that Republic is switching to all automated trash pickup trucks. He went on to state that if a resident still have trash bags after March 2027 Republic will still pick them up. He also suggested that some families have joined together to pay for a tote as another plan for those who need trash disposal, but don’t wish to get a tote of their own.
Plans for the eclipse are finalizing as Jackson Center gets ready for the big event. The website taking reservations, https://www.alumaevents.com/scripts/events/index.php?event_id=10, is up and running. There will be three packages available for spectators; near the pool (25 spots), Airstream Wally Park (33 spots), and the school parking lot (75 spots). Each package includes, but not limited to campsite rental, all food and beverages sold, eclipse glasses, all facilities provided such as restrooms, among other things. The event will begin on April 5 and lead up to the main event on April 8. All Shelby County schools will be closed for the big day to help lessen the burden on the roads. The event will be treated like a community day with live bands and food trucks. The council meeting schedule for that night has been canceled. Chief Chuck Wirick wanted to remind those who get the school package that they must be out of the lot by 10 p.m. that Monday night for classes to resume Tuesday April 9.
Jake Schumpert returns to work after his wife gave birth to a baby girl. The Wally Brym Drainage project is being drafted and put together. Sgt. Nick Honeycutt will be driving around town in a borrowed K-9 sheriff’s car for the next 4-6 weeks while he waits for his replacement vehicle.
