This is just a little local issue, but really applies everywhere, so I'm venting.

In the paper recently , a city official says it will save the city over-time dollars if people co-operate and put their garbage out a day early, to avoid overtime by having to collect on a holiday. He goes on to state that $ 14,000.00, while not a huge amount, is very important to helping balance the budget and solve the financial crisis. Right on, John.

However, the big issue is totally missed. Don’t ask us to put out the garbage on a different day from normal. TELL US. And what’s the nonsense about having to collect it the following day if residents don’t co-operate, because of the health hazards, and plowing hazards if it happens to snow?

There is a law on the books that if you don’t shovel the city sidewalk in front of your property, you, the taxpayer are liable for damages, liability and possibly a fine. So if you don’t put your garbage out on Tuesday, and we have to pay over-time on Thursday, the garbage should be thrown ( and I mean thrown ) back into the home owner’s yard, and a citation with a stiff fine should be issued---enough to cover the over-time pay. Then attach a lien to the property,
and hire a tough collector to get the money.
I don’t want my city taxes paying for some jerk’s thoughtlessness. And if they don’t read the paper to know what’s coming, too bad for them.
Hopefully, the city will heed my sage advice and this will serve
notice for future holiday weeks, even if too late for this time.

Rock