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17 <br /> 1 1. In reading the agenda abstract, the Manager proposes to use enterprise fund reserves <br /> 2 to allow the County time to transition to an alternative solution. Typically, reserves are <br /> 3 savings set aside for some specific future need or purpose. <br /> 4 What are you deciding not to do if you spend the reserves on maintaining the integrated public <br /> 5 recycling program? Ijust-want to make-sure that this is not the death knell of the integrated <br /> 6 recycling program. <br /> 7 2. I question the cost-effectiveness in shifting from a centralized and integrated operation <br /> 8 to a decentralized franchise operation. Administrative costs will be shifted to the <br /> 9 schools, towns, and county because they will have to spend time searching for the best <br /> 10 service/price. <br /> 11 a. It seems like fees will be higher for many residents with this loss of economy of <br /> 12 scale that is currently embedded in the fees for integrated public recycling <br /> 13 services. <br /> 14 - I understand that several years ago both school systems joined the public <br /> 15 recycling program b/c it was a huge savings ($80K). <br /> 16 <br /> 17 Operational Concerns <br /> 18 1. By going to a franchise arrangement and allowing residents to "opt in", county oversight <br /> 19 is removed and this, by its very nature, will reduce the effectiveness of public recycling <br /> 20 program in-terms of waste diversion commitment. Need consistency is what is recycled <br /> 21 —when, where, what. We are better together than apart. <br /> 22 2. The county currently has a commercial composting program. Will this program continue <br /> 23 to exist? Think of the million plus trays from the school systems that could be diverted <br /> 24 to compost! Orange County is the only county in the state that provides this service! We <br /> 25 need to continue to be the leaders! This is the future of waste diversion! <br /> 26 CONCLUSION <br /> 27 Stop franchise discussion and efforts until all other options are vetted. <br /> 28 - Maintain and expand integrated public recycling program <br /> 29 Establish a short- and long-term plan to manage solid waste in Orange County in a <br /> 30 comprehensive and sustainable manner that continues to further divert the current <br /> 31 waste stream from the landfill. <br /> 32 Include public input and a process for public recommendation in that plan. <br /> 33 <br /> 34 Final Comment: In making budget decisions, be penny wise, but not pound foolish when it <br /> 35 comes to garbage. <br /> 36 <br /> 37 Jessica Bollinger, owner of the Efland Trash Service, said there are two issues she <br /> 38 would like to address, and the first is the proposed waste franchise in Orange County. She said <br /> 39 that by implementing this system, small business such as hers are in danger of being displaced. <br /> 40 She said that residents of Orange County should have the option to choose which trash <br /> 41 recycling services they utilize. She said that her company and other private companies are <br /> 42 specifically designed to accommodate residents in rural areas and can travel down drives and <br /> 43 roads that larger and heavier trucks cannot travel. She said her business also provides <br />