Village Committee OKs money for E-cycle day

The Belgium Public Works Committee on Feb. 17 recommended paying $3,000 for E-cycle day, despite the cost coming in at three times what was budgeted.

The Town of Belgium hosts the annual event at its dump and last year contracted with a new hauler who didn’t charge anything.

This year, the same company’s services won’t be free.

The village budgeted $1,000 for E-Cycle day after paying about $2,500 in 2018 and 2019.

“Obviously, we’re going to be over budget. The other option is the village organizes it,” Village Clerk Julie Lesar said.

“But we wouldn’t get much for $1,000,” Director of Public Works Dan Birenbaum said.

The event is a chance for town and village residents to discard TVs, dehumidifiers, air conditioners and other electronic items.

“I just don’t understand where all this stuff is coming from. This is like the seventh or eighth year in a row. Nobody could have that much stuff sitting around,” committee member Pete Anzia said.

“There is, Peter,” Birenbaum said.

“Look at our dumpster behind the shop. Perfect example.”

“I can’t believe it either. I witness it,” Committee Chairman Clem Gottsacker said. “I usually help out. We fill up those dumpsters, and then Tom (Bichler) actually puts stuff on his truck. After that, we send the rest of them away.”

Town Chairman Tom Winker regularly notes if the event isn’t held items will still be dumped, and town officials will end up picking them out of ditches.

“I sure hope the town ditches are staying cleaner,” Anzia said.

The extra $2,000 will come from the village fund balance account, used for emergencies and unexpected costs.

The Village Board must approve the $3,000 payment.