LOOGOOTEE — Facing thousands of dollars in unpaid bills and mounting operating expenses, the Martin County Solid Waste Management District board met to address severe financial challenges threatening the future of the Martin County Recycling Center.
The board voted to trim operating hours and introduce commercial pickup fees as an immediate cost-cutting measure, while planning a public hearing in December to chart a long-term path forward.
The Recycling Center is currently grappling with approximately $23,000 in unpaid payroll taxes dating back to May, along with an outstanding $13,000 debt owed to Premiere Energy for bulk fuel.
Board members learned that weekly fuel payments are barely covering ongoing deliveries, as surging diesel prices continue to place heavy pressure on the facility’s day-to-day budget.
Perry Township Trustee Jason Hennette attended the meeting to respond to a request for township assistance. However, Hennette reported that after consulting with the Indiana State Board of Accounts, he was advised that township funds cannot legally be transferred to another governmental entity to bail out the expenses.
A report presented during the meeting noted that approximately 100 area residents regularly utilize the recycling facility.
Immediate Operational Changes and New Fees
With an urgent need to reduce overhead, board members agreed that immediate, short-term sacrifices were necessary to keep operations running.
To curb expenses, the board approved the following measures:
- Reduced Operating Days: The Recycling Center will now close on Tuesdays and cut select employee hours. The facility will remain open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, though route drivers handling pickups will maintain a five-day work week.
- Commercial Cardboard Fuel Surcharge: A $20 pickup fee will now be applied to commercial cardboard pickup services in Martin County, a service that was previously provided free of charge.
- Increased Trailer Fees: The fee charged for semi-trailer exchanges will double.
Public Hearing Set for December 10
Recognizing that short-term cuts will not fully resolve the facility’s underlying budget deficit, the board officially scheduled a public hearing to discuss the long-term viability and funding structure of the Martin County Recycling Center.
The public hearing is set for December 10 at 6:00 p.m. Community members and local residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the center’s financial crisis and offer input on potential funding options to ensure its continued operation.
