By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
Residents in rural areas of Escambia County will be pleased to know rates with Allied Waste are not increasing, at least for now.
Escambia County Commission Chairman David Stokes, who also serves on the county’s Solid Waste Disposal Committee, said discussions with Allie Waste officials brought an agreement to keep rates level.
Currently, Stokes said, about two-thirds of county residents are participating in the garbage pick-up service with Allied Waste.
Commissioner Larry White commended Stokes for his work in negotiations with Allied Waste.
Stokes said costs passed on to customers by Allied Waste based on a variety of issues.
In other business Monday, the commission
Stokes said funds not used would be returned, pro rata, to contributing counties.
Clark and Washington counties were asked for a $3,000 contribution as well, while Baldwin and Mobile counties were asked to contribute $10,000 each.
Stokes said applying for the grant makes good financial sense. “The stimulus bill passed is somewhat ambiguous,” Stokes said. “Even the folks who are supposed to know can tell us what can be expected. I believe we should put our foot in every place we can for funding. We don’t want to miss any opportunities if they are there.”