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City Votes to Seek Proposals For Solid Waste

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McKENZIE (April 11) — McKenzie Mayor and Council voted Thursday to seek proposals for the collection and disposal of solid waste (garbage) for the residential and business community. The sealed proposals must be submitted by April 30, 4 p.m. to McKenzie City Hall.
Republic Services is the present contractor and has provided the services since the city ceased its in-house collection and disposal services when Bob Putman was mayor. Republic Services has a base in Mckenzie along with a transfer station. Local residents and businesses have the convenience of transporting their construction and other wastes to the transfer station for disposal. It also has 18 total employees based in McKenzie.
Republic Services, formerly Barker Brothers, provides 96-gallon trash carts for each resident and small business and provides one weekly curbside collection.
Last week, the county of Carroll voted to accept the lower bid of Red River Waste Solutions of Union City for rural residential, once weekly curbside collection. On June 30, the 25-year stint of Republic Services will cease with the county.
In other business, the council approved the 2017-2018 fiscal year audit presented by John Poole. Poole said auditors found “really nothing.” He issued no adverse financial findings. The lone finding was the lack of segregation of duties as it relates to finances. Most small cities have similar findings.
He encouraged council members and the public to contact his office if they have questions. The audit can be found on the State of Tennessee Comptroller’s website. His office phone is 615-822-4177.
The city government’s financial position improved by $198,511 over the fiscal year. Total assets are estimated at $18,885,040 and total liabilities are $4,101,949.
The Water and Sewer Department had a operating revenue of $1,449,115 and a net loss of $21,487 for the year.

The Park Theatre Fund had revenues of $102,477 and expenses of $101,671 for a net gain of $18,806.
The Council approved $8,570 for expenses to construct a fence around the new skateboard park across from Fred’s on South Main.
In Department Reports, Fire Chief Brian Tucker reported the department had 23 calls in March. He also noted the tornado sirens will have to be retrofitted with new radio transponders to proper activate by radio signal.
Public Works Superintendent Johnny Mercer reported the backup batteries in the tornado sirens need replacing at a cost of $3,600. He reported the control box for the traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. 79 and Cherrywood had to be replaced at a cost of $3,300. Soon the one at the intersection of U.S. 79 and State Route 124 will need replaced.
Police Chief Craig Moates said the department had a total of 1,260 service calls, including 515 security checks of businesses and parks, 200 investigations, and 232 stops of vehicles.
Water Superintendent Billy Wood reported the Water and Sewer Department was “same ole, same ole.”
Phillip Morrissett reported he is working with property owners to assure the properties are cleared of debris and overgrown grass and brush.
The 2018-19 McKenzie High School Basketball Team was honored for their final four finish in the Class 1A TSSAA basketball tournament in Murfreesboro. The mayoral proclamation said the city represented the families, school, and the community well. (see separate story)
Council members Bobby Young and Randy Callahan were absent.

Solid Waste, McKenzie