CRANBERRY TWP — Although the township's garbage contract isn't up for renewal for nearly a year, supervisors on Thursday voted to continue the existing service for five years.

Supervisors voted unanimously to continue its residential garbage, yard waste and recycling collection, disposal and processing contract with Vogel Disposal Services. The current contract contained a provision for the extension, but required early notification of the agreement as new equipment must be ordered in advance.

The contract begins Nov. 1, 2019, and runs through Oct. 31, 2024. It's the fourth five-year contract, according to Jerry Andree, township manager.

Michele Nestor of Nestor Resources had been reviewing the contract and comparing it to similar contracts in the area. She said the township has been proactive and is “ahead of the curve,” serving as an example to other municipalities in the state. She added the pricing remains competitive.

She said global issues could impact pricing if the township sought a new contract elsewhere, particularly with recycling. She said the standard for accepting recyclables has increased after processors have taken shortcuts. This has led to more items being labeled as contamination.

“About 75 percent of material that we collect at the curb has zero value right now,” she said.

Because of that, China is accepting less of the United States' recycling, forcing domestic capacity to be developed. This will take about two years, and Nestor said if the township currently sought bids, it would face higher collection rates.

“That's a big risk to take right now,” she said. “If you wait a few years after the paper mills are rebuilt and the market stabilizes again, then I think pricing will stabilize again too. I think you have a good option here, and if I were in your shoes I would stay put and not risk a bid right now.”

Additionally, as other processors phase out the collection of glass and some plastics, township residents will still be able to recycle those items, including plastic marked No. 1 through No. 6.

Dick Hadley, supervisor chairman, said that continuing the deal “seemed like a no-brainer.”

Nestor said education on what can and cannot recycled might be helpful to the township and Vogel. Supervisors said educational measures could be discussed and implemented.

Budget approved

Supervisors approved the 2019 budget Thursday, which had been tentatively approved last month. Andree said no public comment was received during the open period.

The $23.4 million proposed budget — an increase of roughly $1.3 million over last year — covers operating expenses by incoming revenues and is balanced without the use of the reserve fund.

The largest expense for the township was $6.4 million for public safety, a more than $410,000 increase over 2018.

Additionally, the township's tax rate will remain the same, supervisors said.

Utility contract

Supervisors approved a three-year agreement between the township and the Utility Workers of America, AFL-CIO Local 540.

The contract runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2021, and includes an average hourly increase of 2.7 percent in 2019 and 2020, and 2.5 percent in 2021. Additionally, the High Deductible Health Insurance Program and voluntary participation in the township's wellness program will continue.

Andree said the agreement was “very fair” and has already been ratified by the bargaining unit.