Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Trash pick up will cost a little more for residents of the town of Sunman come February. That decision was made at the regular town board meeting held November 20 at the town hall.

The rate for having trash picked up twice a week has not changed in 16 years. Clerk-Treasurer Kris Schneider told those at the meeting that the town is charged $10.95 per household per month, with the residents only consuming $4.50 of that cost. “It just isn’t enough anymore,” she noted.

The rate increase will take place in February and will be $7.50 per household per month. This will still include trash/recycle pick up twice weekly along with the heavy trash pick up times.

While council members hated to raise the rates, especially with the sagging economy, they felt they had to.

The decision to support the Economic Development Interlocal Agreement had been tabled from the previous meeting. After some discussion, it was unanimously approved.

John Campbell noted that he had asked for some time to look into the situation with Belletech and has done that. “I have always been in support of economic development in this county,” he noted, saying he still is because he knows it’s the backbone of the community.

The council unanimously approved going with Heidt Construction for a truss roof on the town hall. It would be a 30-year warranty with a dimensional shingle. The cost was $55,000. Their decision, however, is not the final one, but is contingent on approval from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

Members discussed the need to purchase a different mower for the town. An estimate for a used one came in between five and six thousand dollars. They will look into getting something for next season.

Marshal Bill Dramann brought up the dog ordinance and some language that needs to be tweaked in it. Town Attorney Amy Streator will look it over, get with the council and see what needs to be changed.

The next regular meeting of the Sunman Town Council will be December 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the town hall.