The mayor outlined plans for Vernon to manage its own garbage collection, moving away from third-party contractors. This initiative aims to save residents time and money, offering an annual fee of $350 with quarterly payment options. A punch card system would allow residents to drop off garbage on a limited basis, with inspections in place to prevent improper disposal of commercial waste. The mayor emphasized the environmental benefits and estimated that 217 memberships would cover the program’s operational costs, which include tipping fees and other expenses summing to about $76,235.84.

Concerns were raised about the feasibility of implementing a garbage service in Vernon, the largest township in the state, spanning nearly 70 square miles. An attendee expressed that running such a service could lead to increased taxes, drawing on personal experiences with garbage services in smaller, more compact municipalities. The participant stressed the need for caution. This sentiment was echoed by another speaker who highlighted the financial burden such a service might impose compared to smaller municipalities.

Further discussions delved into the operational aspects of the garbage service, particularly the use of compactors for waste disposal. The council previously included a capital improvement related to compactors in the budget, which was initially cut but later bonded for due to the town’s need to manage its own garbage effectively. The operational costs, including a weekly tipping fee of $1,498, were thoroughly examined, along with the logistics of payment and potential staffing needs. Questions arose regarding the compactor’s maintenance and the program’s financial viability if fewer residents participated than expected.

The meeting also addressed the council’s ongoing search for a new CFO. Currently relying on a part-time service at $168 per hour, the council emphasized the urgency of finding a qualified full-time candidate. Despite efforts to attract applicants through government websites and potential advertising on paid platforms, the applications received lacked necessary qualifications. Suggestions included expanding the search to include networking opportunities with auditors and accountants and exploring lower-tier packages from headhunting firms for targeted advertising.

Additionally, the council acknowledged Veterans Day, with members expressing gratitude toward veterans for their service. They highlighted the importance of supporting local veteran organizations, such as the VFW, and shared sentiments of appreciation, noting how veterans exemplify success through their contributions to others.

In lighter news, council members celebrated the Vernon Vikings’ success in the pee-wee league, where they emerged as champions after an undefeated season. This achievement was recognized alongside discussions about the quality of local sports facilities and ongoing community investments, such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.