Millville adds senior/disabled solid-waste deduction and OKs UEZ-funded truck for Clean Team

The Millville City Commission approved two items at its Feb. 3 meeting that affect residents directly: a new deduction for qualified seniors and disabled residents on solid-waste bills and a UEZ-funded vehicle purchase to support the city's Clean Team.

Tracy Gregoire, the city's tax and utility collector, explained the solid-waste deduction: it will mirror eligibility for the existing municipal tax deduction. Residents who qualify as seniors (65 or older as of Oct. 1 of the prior year) or 100% disabled and who meet an income limit of $10,000 (Social Security excluded) can apply. The deduction will be $40 per year — $10 per quarter — and will be applied to solid-waste bills sent after the ordinance takes effect. Gregoire said applications will be processed using the same annual verification used for the tax deduction.

Separately, the commission approved a resolution authorizing the purchasing agent to buy an F-250 truck in an amount not to exceed $61,288.81. Commissioners said the truck will be purchased with UEZ grant funds to support the Clean Team's trash- and debris-removal work within the UEZ district. Commissioner Reinelloo noted the truck purchase began as a process last summer and will help the Clean Team remove tires, shopping carts and other debris; she said picked-up materials will be taken to regular disposal streams and acknowledged tipping and storage costs associated with some items.

Commissioners also mentioned CDBG funds earmarked for demolition of abandoned properties and said $156,000 is currently set aside for prioritized demolitions.

The ordinances and resolutions passed by roll call during the meeting; staff committed to provide specifics on timing and program sunsets if requested by the public.