Garbage Truck Discussion Stalls in Kittanning

by Jonathan Weaver

An effort to replace a 10-year-old garbage truck in Kittanning Borough was dashed, at least temporarily.

After detailed discussion last month and throughout the past few sessions, Kittanning Borough elected officials were not able to agree on a plan to purchase the borough a new garbage truck.

First Ward Councilwoman Betsy Wilt attempted two separate motions to purchase the truck from Tri-County Truck Center, along Route 28/66, at last night’s regular meeting, but both did not result in enough positive votes.

Wilt’s initial request included purchasing the truck, but would have required a $2 per month garbage fee increase in order to finance the purchase.

“And, I’d also like a resolution attached to that that when (the truck) is paid off, the $2 increase would go into a separate fund for the purchase of the next garbage truck we need,” Wilt said. “Because I think that’s what happened the last time we needed (a truck). We did have a raise in the rates, but we didn’t have the money saved after it was paid off.”

Wilt estimated it would take seven years to pay off the new truck.

Last month, Tri-County Truck Center Sales Manager Keith Ferguson detailed a 2018 model cab for a 2017 build – which he recommended for maneuverability and to proceed through Borough alleys. Tri-County Truck Center is a provider through the state cooperative purchasing program, COSTARS – which expedites purchase.

The truck – which would have cost about $200,000 -, would have had a two-year, 250,000 mile warranty, but extended warranties were available.

Mayor Kirk Atwood and Council President Kim Fox agreed raising garbage rates would not do.

“Raising our fee is not acceptable,” Mayor Atwood said. “We’re $7 higher than Ford City per month! This is a tax increase – we’re going to shell it like it’s not.”

Council President Fox added that garbage rates increased $5 just within the past decade and council members should at least look at possibly sourcing out waste management.

“I think there are other ways to make some changes financially that I think would pay for the garbage truck,” Fox said. “I think we have some options that would more than cover it.

“We owe it to the residents to do a study and get quotes. In the past, it hasn’t been feasible.”

Councilman Andy Peters justified the increase would break down to $24 per year, which is referred to as “peanuts.”

During the past year, one of the two borough garbage trucks has been serviced by Tri-County Truck Center a half-dozen times – with October’s repair costing nearly $840.00.

“Almost every week, there’s something major that goes on,” Councilman Gerald Shuster said. “And, it’s still broken down.

“Getting this truck and getting it on the road is critical to us. That truck is ready to fall apart – it’s three years past its prime. It’s the most-used piece of equipment we have in this borough.”

“How are we going to find the money to pay for this truck?” Wilt asked.

When Wilt changed her motion for the garbage truck to be paid via the borough’s General Fund, a majority of council members also disagreed since not enough money was set aside in the 2017 budget.

Before the garbage truck discussion, a majority of council agreed on a nearly-$2.6 million spending plan that does not assume increased tax or garbage rates.

Former Councilman Tom Close argued that council members and former police officials have not properly-enforced the system, evident by overloaded garbage cans that are still collected regularly other than in bags.

However, borough council members did agree to do a cost study and measure feasibility.

Wilt said she will not be the one researching the garbage truck in the future.

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