MOUNT CARMEL - An idea proposed by Mount Carmel Borough Council President Tony Matulewicz to privatize the majority of services in efforts to save money and time was shot down by the other members of the council.
The subject had been brought up by Matulewicz in the last few months since one borough street department employee retired in March, another was scheduled to retire July 31 and will use vacation time starting today, and a third will retire in November. Salaries and benefits combined, the borough was paying $164,000 in labor, Matulewicz said, and it could be cheaper to privatize garbage removal, road maintenance or grass cutting, and only keep police and fire departments as public services.
However, it was the desire of the council to replace those employees.
Alan Matzura was hired full time at $15 an hour plus benefits, while Howard Watkins was hired part time at $12 an hour without benefits.
"We need employees. These people deserve to have their town cleaned up. Why do you want to break something that's not broken?" Councilman Leroy "Chico" Moser asked Matulewicz.
Councilman Joe Lapotsky was of the opinion there wouldn't be enough companies to bid out to for private services - especially snow removal in the winter - and he couldn't vote for privatization.
"There are a lot of 'ifs,'" he said.
Lapotsky said the idea sounded like a good one, but asked why no other local municipalities had even tried it.
Matulewicz said he didn't want the whole town running without employees.
"I just think it's too expensive to have full time. It's time for part-time employees, and we'll sub out the rest," he said.
He added, "These are all good points, but the borough will never know because we never tried."
Matulewicz voted against hiring Matzura, but voted for hiring Watkins.
Earlier this month, the borough privatized its lawn maintenance by awarded a two-year contract to DMP at an approximate annual cost of $7,800. That does not include the cost to trim along the Shamokin Creek bed; however, such work will not be needed for long because a section of that area will soon be demolished to make way for an improved creek channel.
However, council rejected a bid from Mostik Bros. Disposal Thursday for trash removal at a 2-3 vote. Moser, who is the owner of Mosers Bros. Sanitation, abstained from voting on this motion.
They also rejected an ordinance that would have required the borough to annually evaluate its services to determine whether the private sector could perform the duties cheaper.
"We're not saying we won't. We just don't need an ordinance that says we have to," Councilman Clem Plisiewicz Jr.
In other business, the council accepted:
- A $25,050 bid from John Thurick, of Natalie, to purchase 33 N. Vine St., which is the former West End Fire Company building.
- The resignation of Brian Shurock as acting director of transportation effective June 19.