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Bag Tag fee for garbage going up |
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Saugeen Shores implemented a user-based 'bag tag' for garbage that has been so successful that there is a looming shortfall of $88,000, with the result that the rate will have to be increased to maintain services, but not after much deliberation during budget talks. "We have been so successful that we have depleted our revenue stream," says Deputy Mayor, Luke Charbonneau. "In the end, the public is responsible and the user should be responsible for the amount of garbage. Unfortunately, although the amount of garbage declines, we still need the same amount of infrastructure in the way of trucks, equipment and personnel to maintain the same level of service." Through the lengthy discussions, several points were raised, including monitoring more closely the amount of waste generated by the various town departments. "The town is a user and, perhaps, we can come up with estimates of what is being used," added Charbonneau. Councilor Diane Huber also suggested that more creative ways of collection could be possible. "Over the winter," she said, "maybe we could change to collection of waste every two weeks. I also agree with the Deputy Mayor that a reconciliation of the Town waste should be looked at which might result in more accountability by town departments." Councilor Fred Shildroth pointed out that it took approximately six years to implement the 'bag tag' system with the result that there has been a decrease in the amount of waste going into the landfill, thereby increasing its lifespan. In conjunction with the recent bag tag system, 'tipping fees' at the landfill site scales has also seen an increase. "When we first implemented tipping fees a number of years ago," said Mayor Mike Smith, "it was also a user-pay system." Stu Doyle, head of Public Works, pointed out that Saugeen Shores is now at the higher end in Bruce County of tipping fees but is at the lower end when it comes to bag tags for curb-side pick-up. "We all have to pay for the waste we generate," said Charbonneau, while Councilor Shildroth suggested splitting the cost between bag tags and tipping fees.
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Councilor Gary Brown, referring to Huber's suggestion of twice monthly pick-up, disagreed. "We are still going to have to pay the same salaries and benefits so I don't see any difference. I think we should just make a decision ... do we increase the bag-tag cost by 50 cents or not." The issue of raising the bag-tag to $2 from $1.50 was put to a vote with only Councilors Diane Huber and Fred Shildroth voting against the increase. Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area. You can click on the ads for more
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