City Beat Q&A: Net cost for recycling program $30,492

August 22, 2018

Please explain exactly the costs to the city for recycling. Is it a fund-maker or a fund-drainer; in others words, do we make anything for doing it or do we just pay to have it done? Even including the labor, vehicle, gas and is it bought when it is delivered or do we pay to have it recycled?

According to Public Works Director Keith Henry, the City’s recycling program operates at a cost to taxpayers. “Exact” costs are not easily calculated due to changing variables, but in 2017 the cost to the City in transportation and labor was approximately $41,745. If you remove the cost for the sale of goods, $4,056, and savings at the Osage Landfill, $7,196, you end up with an approximate cost to the City of Bartlesville — taxpayers — of $30,492.

Citizens should watch for a survey aimed at obtaining their input on the City’s sanitation services, including recycling later this year.

No action at former Braum’s building

What is the old Braum’s being fixed-up for?

The Community Development Department has no permits/applications on file for the former Braum’s location on U.S. Highway 75. Reports indicate some equipment has been removed and paper placed on the windows recently, but nothing further appears to be happening at the site. The restaurant was recently relocated across the street.