City requires owners to subscribe for trash pickup

By William K. Alcorn

The city’s income tax receipts, at $2,448,586, are up 4 percent over last year at the same time.

STRUTHERS — City Council unanimously passed an ordinance requiring owners of residential and rental units to subscribe for trash pickup by a contractor designated by the city.

City officials said that a significant number of households have failed to voluntarily contract for trash collection and are using the facilities of other households or commercial properties to dispose of their trash or not disposing of their trash at all, causing a potential health problem.

This law will give the city and its health department another tool with which to clean up and provide a better environment, said Safety-Service Director Ed Wildes.

According to the ordinance, which was recommended for passage by council’s general improvement committee, the penalty for failure to comply is a minor misdemeanor for a first offense and a fourth-degree misdemeanor on subsequent offenses.

Despite the struggling economy, the city’s income tax receipts, at $2,448,586 to date, are 4 percent over last year, Tax Commissioner James J. Bertrando said.

He added that he’s aggressively pursuing delinquent taxes but is willing to work out payment plans.

He urged residents who are in arrears on their taxes to contact the tax office.

First Ward Councilwoman Sherri Hartzell said she’ll be working with volunteer high school students from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, weather permitting, to rake leaves for residents who can’t rake their own yards because of health problems.

She asked residents who need help to call her at (330) 750-1618.

alcorn@vindy.com