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Tonganoxie delays curbside recycling decision, approves pay increase for city administrator

By Shawn Linenberger - | Jun 3, 2014

Estuardo Garcia

Online polls indicate that people want mandatory recycling in Tonganoxie, but Tonganoxie City Council members want to allow more time for public input before making a decision on whether to add curbside services.

An online city survey garnered 75 votes. Of those voting, 56 percent want mandatory curbside recycling, which would be an additional $2.25 per household. There were 39 percent who preferred voluntary recycling, which would cost an extra $4 for each household that opted in. The final 5 percent didn’t want any new services.

The Mirror’s online poll had 125 votes: 61 percent wanted mandatory and 24 percent voluntary. Another 7 percent were fine with their current recycling options and another 6 percent don’t recycle. The Mirror’s online poll notes that it is not a scientific poll.

Council members personally voiced the importance of recycling but weren’t ready to make a decision.

Honey Creek’s Randy Weldon said the company would add glass to its accepted recyclables list in late October. It also takes about three months for a recycling bin order to be ready.

That time frame helped shape the council’s decision to hold off a month to make a decision.

Council member Bill Peak noted Honey Creek’s regular services would stay flat for the next three years also.

McCommon gets salary increase

City Administrator Nathan McCommon will be receiving a bump in pay.

The council approved 4-0 extending McCommon’s contract for another year. His new pay will be $89,500 effective retroactively to his hire date anniversary, which was May 14. It’s about a 7 percent increase from his current salary ($83,500).

“I’d just like to say I think the council really appreciates the job you’ve done, Nathan,” Mayor Jason Ward said shortly after the council approved the pay increase. “You’ve hit the ground running and you’ve done a good job moving us forward.”

McCommon also receives an annual automobile allowance of $4,800 and a 2 1/2 percent contribution to a deferred compensation retirement account, as well as benefits.

“You’re fair to everyone who walks through the door,” Ward said to McCommon. “I think the public appreciates that.”