Officials complain about county charges
Representatives from Marion and Florence housing authorities requested a change Monday in the county's regulations regarding solid waste charges.
Unfortunately, a July 1 deadline to make changes to the county's resolution will limit action of Marion County Commission in making immediate changes.
The housing entities provide apartment housing for low-income and elderly residents, and said the annual charge of $81 per apartment unit was unfair.
Jolene Gayle, director of Florence Housing Authority, said the Florence entity paid nearly $2,000 to the county for solid waste charges.
"These are older people who do not generate much trash," Gayle said.
She said trash was picked up once a week from one Dumpster.
Shirley Carlson, director of Marion Housing Authority, said she had 28 apartments with single tenants. She, too, thought the charges were unfair.
Discussion also was heard regarding vacancies in the apartments — sometimes for extended periods of time.
Both entities receive government subsidies to assist with expenses but typically the organizations break even.
Charles Heerey, a Marion board member, asked if dormitories at Tabor College were considered like apartments. County officials were not sure what the college paid.
County clerk Carol Maggard explained the fees are based on the appraiser's classification of a structure — single dwelling, business, etc.
Fees are being charged for a total of 10 years to offset bond payments for the transfer station business. When the bond is paid, the fees may be reduced or eliminated.
"I have people who only receive $500 a month," Gayle said. "I don't know what they would do without subsidized housing."
Commissioner Randy Dallke said he was concerned with being fair to all residents, not just those who live in subsidized housing.
He asked the directors to figure the number of vacant days.
"Maybe the county can deduct the amount," Dallke suggested, which would be similar to seasonal housing.
Gayle said she had already figured the vacancies, and they totaled 1,684 days or 60 months in 2004.
Maggard said she was concerned about the July 1 deadline and wasn't sure how it could be accomplished.
The commission may review more information and make considerations for changes in 2006.
