Sharpsburg garbage bills to increase, new bins being distributed

Sharpsburg officials will offer certain seniors a discount on their garbage bills.

Council voted Jan. 26 to fund a $3-per-month relief to seniors who meet requirements of Allegheny County’s Act 77 Senior Tax Relief program, which include being at least age 60, owning and occupying a residence in Allegheny County for at least 10 years and having a gross household income of $30,000 or less.

The borough identified 63 seniors who met the criteria, said borough Manager Christine DeRunk.

The discount would cost the borough $36 per year per senior, or about $2,268 in total.

Council voted Jan. 26 to pay for the discount through the sale of a 2007 public works trailer and a 2000 warehouse sweeper. The equipment would be posted on Municibid, on online auction for government surplus, so borough officials do not know how much revenue they would generate.

Councilwoman Sarah Ishman also donated her annual borough stipend of about $1,500 to pay for the discounts.

“We’ve had to raise a lot costs this year,” she said. This includes a 30% property tax hike. “The borough is not in a great financial state, and anything that we can do to help one of the most at-risk sections of our population, we want to do.”

Councilman Jonathan Jaso attempted to extend the discount to veterans and first responders. While supportive of his effort, other council members agreed to review the idea later this year.

Council Vice President Karen Pastor said the borough stopped the practice of giving senior discounts a little more than five years ago when billing was taken over by Hampton Shaler Water Authority.

Monthly trash collection bills increased for Sharpsburg residents from $18 to $23 in January and February as part of a new five-year contract with Waste Management. Bills are expected to go up again in March to $30 with $7 included for recycling.

Former Councilman Joe Simbari was nearly escorted out of council chambers by police on Jan. 26 while talking about garbage collection. He had originally signed up to speak about electric charging stations but transitioned to garbage after several minutes.

“You talk about affordable housing. What about affordable living?” Simbari said referencing hikes to garbage and tax bills. “You say, ‘Sharpsburg’s for everyone.’ Everyone with money.”

Council President Adrianne Laing made several attempts to cut him off due to going over allotted time and going off subject. She said he could sign up to speak about garbage collection next month.

Simbari took offense to being stopped, claiming he and a past council president never treated residents that way.