Margaret Andrews
newsledger@bellsouth.net
Council Chairman Carlo Bruno reported that confusion exists amidst rural residents concerning the new parish trash pick up contract with SDT.
Parish officials sought and obtained bids as a means of assuring the best possible cost for residents. "The bottom line is that residents are free to choose their garbage hauler," Bruno said. "But only one comes with parish backing so if you have a problem with pick up and you're not with SDT, the parish cannot help you," he explained.
"Waste Management is still contacting residents like they are parish authorized and until May 30 they are," Bruno further stated. "However, past May 30 they will no longer be recognized as the official carrier," Bruno added.
SDT was awarded the parish contract by providing the lowest bid, $14.99 for monthly household service. The company will begin May 1 serving rural customers who sign up with them.
In other business, council members continue to work on its hurricane and emergency preparation plans by bidding on new generators. The purpose of the generators are to provide power for lighting and refrigeration. The parish received a $643,000 grant for the generators. "With only so much money to spend, it is necessary to get the best price possible," Parish President Gordon Burgess said. "We are looking to buy one for placement at the Hammond Health Unit, one at the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office in Amite, and at seven parish school shelters," he added.
In addition, Tangipahoa Parish Council members granted approval to the Ponchatoula Area Recreation District 1 to seek $6.5 million in revenue bonds for recreational improvements.
Voters within the recreational district supported a proposal to pay an additional four mills in property taxes in exchange for better recreational facilities. The money will be used to pay for building and equipping a multipurpose gymnasium and other recreational facilities. The bonds are not to exceed 30 years.
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