By Steve Plunkett
Residents recycled more plastic bottles, glass jars and newspapers than town officials expected, resulting in almost a $35,000 rebate from the Solid Waste Authority and an official letter of praise.
“They wanted to extend their congratulations to all our residents,” Town Manager Kathleen Weiser said at the Sept. 6 Town Commission meeting.
“As a result of the outstanding recycling efforts by your residents, the town of Highland Beach has received $34,567.02 since the program was implemented in fiscal year 2010,” SWA customer relations director John Archambo wrote.
The rebate represented 949.86 tons of material, “which helps to conserve valuable landfill space and natural resources,” Archambo continued.
Highland Beach received $12,800 back in fiscal 2010. The town anticipated $11,800 in its 2011 budget but had $15,090 by July, three months before the end of the fiscal year. The 2012 budget predicts a $19,000 rebate.
The Solid Waste Authority collects $99 from each condo and $175 per single-family home for solid waste disposal. The fees are a non-ad valorem assessment on property tax bills.
The newest items acceptable for recycling are unwanted mail, school and office papers, all cardboard boxes and steel cans. Other suitable items are newspapers, magazines, phone books, paper bags, plastic containers, aluminum cans and foil, drink boxes, milk and juice cartons, and glass bottles and jars.
Recycled materials at single-family residences are collected on Mondays, at condominiums on Mondays and Thursdays.
Highland Beach Budget
4,196 taxable parcels
2010-2011 2011-2012
Tax Rate $3.2542* $3.407*
General Fund Budget $10.7 million $10.1 million
General Fund Reserves $5.3 million $4.5 million
% of Budget 49.5% 44.6%
Reserves used $1.05 million $710,031
*Tax rate per $1,000 of taxable property value.
NOTE: Highland Beach residents also pay $0.9337 for city debt service. Total combined tax rate for 2011-2012 is $4.3407.
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