As health insurance costs rise and budgets stay the same, the Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County is expected to see a near $8,000 reduction in its funds for services next year.

Executive Director of the Waste Reduction District Therese Davis said she presented her department’s budget to her board last Tuesday that was similar to last year’s budget but included reductions.

“We went through and really tightened our belts,” she said, saying that a hike in health insurance provided by the county forced the cuts.

Davis said as costs to provide services continue to rise and the money isn’t there to cover the increases, “you’re going to have to cut staff.”

Davis sent a memorandum to her board letting it know that if they decide to raise the rate charged on residential property tax bills from $13 to $15, it would allow them to continue the services being considered for elimination, but she said the board is not considering the raise at this time due to the current state of the economy and the county’s tax situation.

The increase would bring additional funds of nearly $100,000. The district has not raised its fees since 2005.

If the board did decide to take a vote, it would first need to hold a public hearing.

Members of the board include the three county commissioners, Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas, Portage Mayor Olga Velazquez, a representative from the county council and another representative from the county’s largest city, Portage.

Services on the chopping block include intern hours, office supplies, staff education and training, Wednesday hours at the county’s two compost sites, and the district’s yearly tire collection.

With the tire program ending, Davis said she recommends people leave their tires with their retailer when purchasing a new tire.

“There is an outlet for that,” she said.

The two compost sites are located in the Valparaiso area, one at 2150 Lincolnway and the other at 400 W. CR 550S in Porter Township. There has not been a district compost site in the northern section of the county over the past few years. The district once operated a compost site in Crocker on property owned by Chesterton which is now strictly used by the town for its services.

Davis mentioned the district also needed to purchase a compost turner over the last year to replace machinery and a loader that was more than 15 years old.

Also going away is the inserted “One Man’s Trash” newsletter put out by the Recycling and Waste Reduction District that appeared quarterly in newspapers. Davis said the online version of the newsletter will still be featured on the district’s Web site, www.itmeanstheworld.org

Davis said the board is aware of the ramifications of not raising the fee and is not sure if they will consider the matter next year or in the years following.

Other services the district will continue to provide include public education programs, electronic and battery drop-off locations, and hazardous waste collections.

The district will soon host a Home Hazardous Waste collection day at Portage High School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 14.

Posted 7/27/2010