‘Beast’ becomes a budget casualty

By Denise Dick

BOARDMAN — Three years ago, township trustees spent $262,372 on a new recycler/grinder. Now, they’ve decided to sell it because of financial difficulties.

Trustees voted this week to sell the machine, dubbed “The Beast,” through an online auction.

LightGov, the company handling the auction, will get 1 percent of the amount received for the machine. Township Administrator Jason Loree said the percentage is lower than what LightGov generally charges.

Residents would take their branches and other yard debris to the township’s compost site on Southern Boulevard. The debris was turned into mulch, which was offered free to residents.

The site closed, however, when budget problems led to layoffs in February 2008. Eight of the 13 road-department employees laid off remain on furlough.

“It’s just a casualty of the financial problems and manpower issues,” said Larry Wilson, superintendent of the township road department.

With people laid off, there isn’t sufficient manpower to operate the machine, said Loree. There’s also the expense of parts and fuel, officials said.

Wilson said the township will provide a fall curbside branch pickup for residents this year and spring and fall pickups in subsequent years. That’s in addition to the fall leaf pickup the township offers.

Dates will be announced.

Trustee Kathy Miller said she and Wilson will meet next week with a LightGov representative to determine how long to run the auction and to work out other details.

The township bought the grinder in 2006 after the machine it used for 11 years stopped working and its motor couldn’t be repaired. LightGov, based in the township, formed in April 2000. It offers online auctions to governments.

David Engler, former Mahoning County commissioner, is its chief executive officer.

Several Mahoning Valley communities have used the company’s services since its formation.

denise_dick@vindy.com