Local News

County Board Discusses Recycling Options

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 06:55:19 CDT

During a meeting in which they spent roughly 90 minutes in open session, the Montgomery County Board discussed options that would increase funding for the county's recycling program.

Finance Committee Chair Megan Beeler told the full board on Tuesday that her committee has looked into establishing a special service taxing district for recycling. Such a district would require the county to hold a hearing, and then potentially place an advisory question on the ballot during the next election on March 17, 2020. Concern over the future of recycling in Montgomery County is building because of the department's inability to sustain itself financially. If approved, property taxes would increase to establish the Special Recycling Service Taxing District.

During the personnel committee briefing, Sheriff Rick Robbins told the board that his department has hired five new patrol deputies, with the most recent patrolman set to begin on June 13. Robbins said they have also hired two telecommunicators and one correctional officer. He said one correctional officer position is still vacant, however, after a person holding the position recently resigned. Once filled, the department should be fully-staffed.

The next Montgomery County Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, at 5:30 p.m.