Warwick Gets new recycling bids

WARWICK-Residents throughout the Town of Warwick will pay higher taxes during the 2005 fiscal year, although the increase will be small. The Town Board approved its $13 million budget last week, hiking taxes between 2.5 and 2.7 percent, depending on where you live. Village residents will pay $4.82 per $1,000 of assessed value, up 13 cents, or 2.7 percent from last year. The owner of an average home with a value of $200,000 will pay an additional $6 to the town or $241. Town residents outside of the village are looking at a town tax rate of $12.90 per thousand, up 32 cents or 2.5 percent from last year's rate. The owner of a $200,000 home will pay $16 more than last year or $645. All town residents will chip in for the Purchase of Development Rights funding, costing about $25 for the average $200,000 homeowner. Fringe benefits for town employees are budgeted for nearly $800,000, up $104,000 from last year's budget. From 2003 to 2004, that item jumped $160,000. Police fringes are estimated at $1.15 million, up $151,000 from last year's budget. Special districts, which include water, ambulance and fire, recycling, Purchase of Development Rights, and lighting districts, total just over $10,000,000. Only residents within those districts pay for the services provided. The town will also have a new recycle hauler in 2005. County Waste came in as the low bidder with a bid of $3.72 per unit per month for a one-year contract and $3.77 for a two-year contract. Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton said the board will do its research into the company before awarding the contract. Last year the town awarded the $250,000 recycling contract to newcomer Waste No More of Nanuet. The company passed muster in the town's eyes but problems began fairly quickly. Missed pick-ups because of not know the town turned into mechanical problems and allegations of wrongdoing aimed at other haulers. The town suspended recycling for about a week this past summer and got Waste Management to step in and continue the recycling program through the end of the year. Waste Management also bid on this contract but was nearly one dollar more per unit per month than County Waste.