Ed Clark of the Pulaski County Recycling Center approached the county commissioners yesterday, seeking approval of a $20,000 grant for the recycling center. The grant, which is actually the second installment of a $40,000 grant that is received each year, can be transferred to the recycling center at the discretion of the commissioners and the recycling center manager. The other half goes to fuel, tire repairs and other expenses. Clark said that there are several problems that the recycling center needs to fix, and the $20,000 would go to repairing these issues.
“I just gave them my three things that I think we need to do: repair the buildings, get a mower, and either fix up the forklift or get a used one,” said Ed Clark of the Pulaski County Recycling Center.
One building that is in need of repair is the shed used to store commodities, which has been leaking, causing the recycling center to be unable to store paper products. As a result, the recycling center has been unable to hold onto these products so they are forced to sell them at a reduced price.
Clark said that he has been using his own mower to mow the properties, because the recycling center’s mower does not run and needs repaired. Commissioner Ken Boswell said he was “extremely uncomfortable” about allowing a county employee to use their own equipment, because of the high liability for equipment that is not owned by the county. In addition, the forklift is also in need of repair, and it has been regularly having issues and its cost of maintenance is soaring.
Commissioner Michael Tiede suggested getting prices on mowers and repairs for the forklift to bring to their next meeting on July 5, when it is expected to be further discussed.
