Leaf pickup off to good start

GREENCASTLE -- Leaf pickup has begun in the city and will continue through the end of the month.

Public works superintendent Brad Phillips reported to the Greencastle Common Council at Tuesday's meeting that through six days of leaf pickup, his department is ahead of schedule, having collected from 600 yards.

Pickup runs each weekday, following the city's trash pickup routes. If crews get through the day's route, they will pick other areas up in advance if the leaves are already along the curb.

To have leaves picked up, residents should pile them along the curb by the expected pickup days. Leaves should not be bagged, and sticks and other larger yard waste are not picked up.

Pickup runs weekdays, excluding holidays, through the end of November.

Council also approved an amendment to the city's septage rates on second reading.

The utilities department began accepting septage from private septic systems three years ago, and the program has brought thousands of dollars to the city.

However, an increase in the rate seemingly priced the city out of the business, as other providers do the service for less. The ordinance reduces the city's septage rate to $0.07 per gallon.

"Anything that increases income for the city, we are in favor of," Council President Adam Cohen said.

A number of Greencastle's police officers have been running together as part of a general program to stay fit. However, they will be competing against other law enforcement teams in next year's 500 Festival Mini Marathon.

A seven-person team to be composed of officers Ed Wilson, Darrel Bunten and Matt Huffman, Asst. Chief Brian Hopkins, Capt. Charles Inman and Sgt. Chris Jones, along with Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter, will run the 13.1 mile course representing our local law enforcement.

Clerk-Treasurer Teresa Glenn reported positive financial news for the city in the face of the budget shortfalls facing local governments. So far in 2010, the city's revenues have been more than expenses.

At the beginning of the year, the city had around $10 million, and that figure is now over $11.5 million.

"I think that says a lot for our department heads and how we're staying within our budgets," Glenn said.