For small and large Oldenburg sewer customers, the monthly rate will climb 42 percent, the town council voted Oct. 5, adopting Ordinance 3-2009, effective immediately.

The minimum charge is $37.44 each month for 3,000 gallons of water, up from $26.37. Sewer rates are based on water usage, the document stated.

The 2010 budget was approved swiftly with no public comment. The $299,109 total is up 5.4 percent or $15,433 from 2009’s amount. The two biggest chunks are $113,409 for the Southwestern Franklin County Fire Territory and $93,000 for the general fund. About $40,000 is allotted for street repairs in two funds, $20,000 for economic development and $14,000 for garbage collection.

Tom Baumer asked about the possibility of Oldenburg switching to curbside recycling. Now residents may transport recyclables to a container at the county highway garage on Harvey’s Branch Road. “It's all full all the time. Get rid of that dumpster down there,” Baumer suggested.

Council President David Wahman and member Dennis Moeller said a curbside service would cost twice as much as the current method.

Jeff Paul said he has noticed out-of-town people dropping off their recyclables at the container "and the town people are paying for it.”

When Paul was told curbside collection costs about $4 per household monthly, he proposed residents and the town each pay half.

The trash contract with CGS, Morristown, is up Dec. 31. Moeller said he will get bids for garbage pickup and the two types of recycling collection from several firms.

Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.