As a bedroom community to metro Columbus, the city of Delaware tends to be fairly conservative when it comes to adopting new ideas or trends. (The city council once called my neighborhood the “carpetbaggers” because we moved here from other Columbus suburbs, and were “trying to change their city”.)
So it was a surprise when I read in the THIS WEEK newspaper that Delaware was actually considering allowing golf carts on city streets as a means for residents to save gas. Of course, they’re going to study some of the other 40 municipalities in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana that allow the carts, before they can make a decision. Golf carts are already allowed in Circleville, Put-in-Bay and Kelley’s Island in Ohio. In recent TV news, the Fairfield County sheriff’s office has added carts to their squad cars.
Per the THIS WEEK article, Ohio law classifies golf carts as low-speed vehicles. (DUH!) That means they can’t be driven on streets with speed limits in excess of 35 mph.
Seriously, is there anyone out there that would WANT TO drive a golf court on Rt 23 next to a semi truck going 55 mph! Of course, size-wise it wouldn’t be much different than the tiny Smart Car.
However, if you plan to buy a cart, you’ll need to make it street legal. You’ll have to add headlights, 2 license plates, tail lights, one brake light, turn signals, a rearview mirror, brakes, a windshield and a horn. Oh, and you must have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
The police chief declined judgement on this concept until he has a chance to review other communities. If his findings mimic his review of whether my neighborhood (the carpetbaggers) could have a couple Stop signs, don’t put a down payment on your new cart just yet.
In July, the State Farm insurance adjuster ruled in my favor and agreed that I needed a new roof based on wind damage. It took awhile to process the paperwork, get the check, have my mortgage holder co-sign the check, then schedule the roofer.
I hired a company that I’ve been using to replace shingles and have on my short list to recommend when clients need roofing repairs. I use Benchmark in Lewis Center and have been pleased with their service (614-431-5352).
However, doing my own roof, would give me a chance to really monitor their work to see if I still want to keep recommending them. Well, they passed the test.
They came around 8:30 in the morning and finished by 5:30 that night. They put tarps over the plants and grass where they would be tossing the old shingles. Eventually all the mess would be put in a large trailer to haul away. They used a leaf blower to clear debris from the gutters and out of the nearby trees. And they walked around the house afterward to make sure everything was cleaned up. During the time they were there, they worked hard and steady and stopped only for their lunch break. Best of all, there was no crude behavior that we sometimes associate with contractors.
I took photos at various stages so I could of course, blog about the project. They watched me curiously as I was taking the photos … they probably wondered if they were going to be in trouble. I thought about trying to tell them about “blogging” but decided against it.
For the details, I had them do a tear-off. Some people don’t pay extra for this step and that’s not a wise thing to do for several reasons. My old shingles were 3-tab, 30 mph shingles that were stapled on. The new shingles are 5-tab dimensional, 80 mph with a 30-year warranty. So when those 50-60 mph winds blow through, I’ll not be holding my breath about losing my roof anymore.
BTW, The Murph was a nervous wreck all day. He was concerned about all the strangers walking around, and all the noise that was happening above him, but the last straw was when he went outside to relieve himself and ”things” were falling out of the sky landing all around him. He doesn’t handle stress well.
We’re all looking for ways to save money, and here’s an idea that will save you around $8.00 a month. If you live within the City of Delaware AND are 55 yrs old or older AND live alone, you qualify for a smaller toter trash container.
Once the swap from the bigger container is made to the smaller, easier to manage tote, the trash portion of your water bill will be nearly cut in half (from ~$16 to ~$8).
To request the exchange, call 740-203-1250. You’ll then be sent a Request Form to complete and return to the Utility Billing Office.
I don’t know whether other cities offer this opportunity for a reduced rate to the trash, but you might want to check with your local utility to see if they do.
Hey, that $8 will buy a couple gallons of gas each month!
I’ve been feeding birds for many, many years. I find it relaxing to watch them as they prepare to build their nests in the spring, then later bring their young around to teach them about the “good” food that magically appears for them. Of course, during the winter months, keeping the feeders full is simply a good, humane thing to do.
I can always count on the cardinals to stop by early in the evening, and scold me if there isn’t any food. The chickadees visit throughout the day, flitting from the tree to the hanging feeder underneath. The tree outside my great room is a canopy shape so it provides good hiding protection from bigger birds.
In the backyard, I have a thistle feeder for goldfinches. It’s set off by itself because they tend to be more timid birds and don’t like to compete with others. There are several pairs that visit and they look like tiny rays of sunshine when several bright yellow males feed all at once.
Then there’s a larger feeder out by the spruce trees that I fill with oilers. The sparrows, cardinals, and doves keep it drained of food. Once in a while a hawk visits, sitting on the fence to see what prey he can carry off. When he/she arrives, all the other birds escape quietly to the spruces for cover.
The front feeder, under the canopy, is where I put the “prime” food. I use a no-mess mix that is sunflower hearts, peanuts, etc. The birds LOVE it! But so does this little guy. He has to be an acrobat to reach the feeder, but somehow he manages. He fills his pouches … runs off … comes back for more … and so on.
I had to buy more seed today, and since I happened to be in Westerville, I stopped by Wild Birds Unlimited on State St. If I’m in the Dublin or Hilliard area, I stop at their store on Riverside Dr, just north of Hayden Run. They have a new product called Jim’s Birdacious Bark Butter. It’s a peanut butter and suet mixture that can be spread on tree bark. I bought it JUST FOR the chipmunk, hoping that he’ll leave the good seed alone.
We’ll see how well that works!
Have you ever wondered why a chipmunk is cute, but a mouse isn’t?
The ash tree in front of my home has been declining rapidly. A few of the top limbs are now bare. The stress sprouts are re-growing. I had pruned them a couple weeks ago to remove them.
Today I checked for “D” holes to see if the female adult ash borer had left yet and I found quite a few such holes around the trunk.
Now based on what I’ve read, the larvae, from the female’s eggs, will begin to make their tunnels as they feed under the bark.
Here’s an extremely nice home for people who would like the convenience of having their bedroom on the main floor. It’s large enough that you don’t have to give up hosting holiday dinners or having guests stay for a few days. Plus, there’s extra entertaining space in the finished lower level or on the wonderful deck.
The serene backyard is probably the main focal point. The nearly private deck, with swing and bench seating will be a great place to relax as will the clearing in the wooded portion of the lot. Wonderful landscaping completely around the home is professionally done. Plus, there’s an in-ground electronic pet fence.
The vaulted Great Room is open and bright thanks to numerous oversized windows with transom windows. The brick fireplace, with raised hearth, has gas logs but also can burn wood. Nearby is a formal dining area with access to the deck.
The kitchen is wonderful with plenty of space for helping hands during meal preparation. The casual dining area has a great view of the backyard. Spots and undercounter lighting add a pleasing ambiance.
The spacious owner’s suite has a walk-in closet and large bath area. Nearby is the first floor laundry and half bath. Upstairs is a loft with built-in bookcases. It makes a great office. There are two bedrooms and guest bath upstairs as well.
Downstairs is a finished lower level plus, a large storage area where the mechanicals are located.
This home is located south of Delaware in the popular Stratford Woods neighborhood. Residents find it very convenient to employment or shopping at Polaris, Powell, Dublin, Lewis Center, Worthington or Westerville. With nearly 2000 SF and a price of only $224,900 you’ll find it offers a lot for a little. Make it yours today!
Occasionally, I’ll have the agents that are representing buyers, call me to ask what the average monthly utility bills are for a home I have listed. I’ve never quite understood why buyers ask that question because there are SO-O-O many variables to what a family can expect to spend.
How many are in the family?
How many daily showers, dishwasher loads, laundry loads do they do?
How hot or cold do they keep the temp of the home?
Do they adjust the thermostat for the times they’re not in the home (away at work) or is someone in the home all day and do they keep the setting constant?
Do they cook or bake a lot and use the range, or are they nukers?
With the increases we’ve been experiencing … or are projected to experience this coming winter … whenever I have to get this info from my sellers, I tend to compare it to my own bills to see if I need to work on my own home’s efficiency.
Recently I obtained the utility info for a VERY LARGE home (5190 sq ft) I have listed. The home has 3 heating/cooling units/zones (using propane for the heat), plus electric baseboard heat in a couple rooms, and there is a wood stove. The wood for the stove comes from a general clean-up of fallen or dead trees on the 3 wooded acres that surround the home. Due to the 2-story room the stove is located in, it sends heat to two floors. It’s a custom home so the windows are low-e Anderson windows - and there are LOTS of them because the owners wanted a great view of the wooded ravine.
Generally, my thoughts were that the utility bills for this home would be quite high. Boy, was I surprised when I received their utility info. On a $/sq ft basis, my small 2052 sq ft mass-builder home’s monthly average utility costs run 48% more than this more efficient custom home. So where’s the difference?
Their propane expense is half per sq ft versus my Columbia Gas natural gas cost. Of course, they also have free wood to use for the stove, which brings their propane usage down. Their higher quality windows also would make a substantial difference.
The electric cost per sq ft was very similar. Mine was 2¢/sq ft and theirs was 1.8¢/sq ft.
On a per-person basis my water/sewer/trash averaged $34.56 per month. Theirs averaged $31 per person because they don’t have to pay sewer fees and can negotiate trash fees. I have city services so I can’t negotiate anything!
I also must pay a city income tax and an HOA fee - they don’t pay either of those since the home is in a township*.
If a buyer is considering one home vs another in the same subdivision, there may not be much difference because the builder and the building materials are apt to be similar. However, if a buyer is considering a tract home in a subdivision to an outlying custom home or a home in a township, it’s probably worthwhile to consider the TOTAL expenses - not just the utility bills. Another routine expense that buyers might consider is the cost of home insurance. Insurers may have different rates based on the access to fire hydrants (or water to pump) and perhaps whether there is a city, township or volunteer fire department.
So if you’re closely watching your budget, do your homework so you can make a good buying decision - without surprises later.Of course, if money is no object then buy whatever suits your fancy! BTW, if you fall into this latter category, would you like to adopt me?
* While townships may not have an income tax, a person may still pay an income tax based on where their income is earned, if earned in a location where an income tax is charged.
Well, it’s not looking good for more ash trees on my street. There are about 4 more that are in severe decline. The tops are virtually bare with extensive sprouting along the trunk … indications that the ash borer larvae have stopped the flow of nutrients up the trunk.
Surprisingly, the trees on the opposite side of the street still appear OK, although they likely have been infected. Perhaps, their infection is not yet as major.
As I said in a prior update, the city installed systemic insecticide plugs this Spring to help curtail further larvae destruction until a better treatment can be found. The ash tree in front of my home had the trunk sprouts until I cut them off a couple weeks ago. So far the top of the tree still has leaves but they’re not as large or as full as in past years. Perhaps it’s been a benefit that there has been lots of rain, so at least the trees aren’t further stressed from lack of water.
Thank goodness the trees in our yards are now rather large so we won’t be “bare” when the city cuts down the street trees.
See these other ash borer posts for more information:
This Sunday is Father’s Day. If your Hubby is one of those that has a bottomless Job Jar - often called the HONEY-DO list - fix him up in one of these homes that he can enjoy from the start. Depending on his likes, needs, or hobbies, one is sure to fit. Then go easy for a while before you start filling up his Honey-Do list again! Click on the titles to see the home that matches Dad’s style.
If his “office” is in your dining room or if you wish you had solid doors to his den rather than glass so guests can’t see the overstuffed desk area or worst of all, maybe he’s relegated to a corner of the basement, then wait till he sees the massive home office wing in THIS home. Note I said WING … it’s huge! He’ll have his own deck to regroup after that stressful phone call and a separate spiral staircase to the outside. He’ll have a nearby alcove with a sink and cabinet for a mini-fridge for a refreshing drink. There’s also a handy half bath close by as well as a guest bedroom. Heck, when you buy this home, you may never actually SEE dear old Dad again! And best of all, your guests will never see this wing when they walk into the foyer! If he’s not the neatest person, this can be a good thing.
Dad can watch others play golf or he can join the Kinsale Golf Club and join in the play when you select this luxury condo in Golf Village. If he’d rather spend time golfing than working on the job jar, then condo life is for him. He only has to worry about caring for the inside since the condo association takes care of the outside. That’s a wonderful thing! This home is even better than others in the complex because it’s on the end with a full view of the tee and fairway, plus, it was designed to maintain that view from the inside … not just from the oversized patio. Come winter, he can move to the large finished lower level to watch the pros on TV to try to figure out what changes he needs to make to his swing or putting style to lower his handicap next spring.
OK, so you don’t have to be a Dad to have this problem. This wonderful home has an owner’s bedroom on the first floor including a whirlpool tub - for those creaky knees. It’s in excellent condition so his job jar can stay nearly empty. Another feature he may enjoy is the workbench area off the finished basement. It also has a 3-car garage just in case he has that mid-life “toy” that needs storing. That way YOUR car doesn’t have to sit in the outside elements while THE TOY is completely sheltered.
This home has a huge deck for entertaining with a roll-out awning to keep the sun or rain off Dad’s grill. No more holding the umbrella over him and the grill. If he has talked about wanting a pool-table sized basement that he could finish, this home has that too. Plus, it has a half bath rough-in - something that “might” come in handy once he finishes the basement and his friends come over to watch the “BIG GAME”. After the game, he and his buds can pretend they’re kids again, and play their own version of football in the fenced backyard. NOTE: I’m holding this home open on Father’s Day from 1-4. Tell him to bring his own football or grilling apron to give the backyard a “test drive”.
When I came home today, I noticed a yellow card hanging on my door. It was from the Delaware City Grounds & Facilities Dept. They were notifying us that our street trees - all ash trees - had been treated with a systemic insecticide to control the Emerald Green Ash borer.
The systemic insecticide they used is AC14 Acecap97. They went on to say that implants had been placed in the trunk. The treatment lasts for one year and will be repeated in subsequent years. The treatment period is April and May.
The cost of the treatment is being paid for by the City and is 5% of the cost to remove and replace the trees. They’re hoping that if they do this and keep the trees healthy for a few years, it may bide some time while hoping that a new/better treatment will be developed to prevent the spread of the borer.
They’re going to monitor our trees this summer and if they feel that any are too infested, they may decide to remove the tree. So the saga continues.
Read these other three posts on this subject for my photos and more information:
EDITED: I’ve noticed that there are some twig sprouts along the trunk of the tree in front of my home which is a bad sign. The leaf canopy isn’t as thick and vibrant as in the past, so it appears my street tree is infected. I sure hope the insecticide works and that the City doesn’t decide it needs to be removed.
This is a truly awesome, spacious home at a very affordable price considering all the upgrades and bells & whistles that it offers.
The first thing you’ll notice is the outstanding condition and attention to detail for the upgrades. This soft contemporary open plan has a large owner’s suite and laundry on the first floor for easy living. It also has a central vac system and step-lighting for further convenience. With the large size (2477 sq ft), there’s plenty of space for entertaining family or friends.
When guests enter they’ll be impressed with the open vaulted ceiling view of the formal dining room into the Great Room. Beautiful open staircases lead to the finished lower level or upstairs to the loft and two bedrooms. It has “WOW” factor!
The kitchen is gorgeous with its customized ceramic backsplash and WilsonArt counters. The soffits are covered with the same material as the window coverings in the nearby rooms. Extra lighting is provided by undercounter lights, a half moon window, track lights, plus there are outlets above the soffit area.
The first-floor owner’s suite is vaulted with a plant ledge that also has outlets for extra lighting. The bath area is quite large and includes a whirlpool tub, walk-in closet with custom shelving system and separate commode area.
You’ll love the finished lower level with built-in cabinets and entertainment center. There is also a hobby area with table, shelves, extra lighting and a creative awning treatment around the windows. There’s even a camera monitor that is wired to a TV (not included) in the kitchen to monitor smaller children (or teens or husbands if you’re so inclined). The mechanical area has a built-in workbench.
Some of the other extras include: surround sound in the Great Room and deck; sound insulation from the Great Room for the owner’s suite and half bath; Levelor cordless blinds in all rooms (ex bsmt); ceiling fans in all bedrooms; 6-panel doors; Home and Gas warranties for the buyer.
This home is located in the popular tree-lined Stratford Woods neighborhood south of the city of Delaware, and very convenient to Polaris, Powell, Dublin, Westerville and Worthington. Be sure to check it out if you’ve been looking for a wonderful 1st floor owner’s suite home in a great neighborhood!
In the past year I’ve noticed that the media, and sometimes city officials, use the terms Delaware County and Delaware (city) as interchangeable terms. They’re not.
Delaware COUNTY is a large, rather square (on the map) county that can be said to have four to five rather distinct segments. Those segments differ visually (terrain & housing styles), housing prices, demographically and by growth amounts. There is also a more subtle difference to the local governments and how well they do - or don’t do - in addressing or protecting zoning laws or planned development. There are also at least 6 school districts that service the homes.
When you read something in the media, usually they are writing about SOUTHERN Delaware County, since that is where much of the population growth and activity is. That info does not necessarily translate to the city of Delaware nor the northern portion of the county. Those areas are much different in the terrain, the developmental growth, the housing styles & prices, the demographics and the local governments.
I think it’s misleading to people when it’s inferred that the whole county is the same. A writer would never lump all of Franklin County into one blanket statement because it has so many unique areas. Columbus is different from Worthington which is different from Dublin which is different from Canal Winchester, etc. etc. The same holds true for Delaware County.
So the next time you read something about the county, pay attention to the area they are actually writing about and if they use the terms interchangeably, know that the writer isn’t as well informed as they should be. It’s just a pet peeve of mine!
Most of my housing stats are for single-family homes. It’s time I do the same review for condos. So here are the averages for condos that have sold between January and March this year.
Powell area: 16 condos sold, averaging 2151 sq ft, at an average price of $277,842. The highest priced unit sold for $445,073 - a new build in the Lakes at Golf Village with 2461 sq ft.
New Albany area: 5 condos sold, averaging 1583 sq ft, at an average price of $180,589. The highest priced unit sold for $224,900.
Lewis Center area: 15 condos sold, averaging 1510 sq ft, at an average price of $174,502. The highest priced unit sold for $279,900.
Westerville area: 24 condos sold, averaging 1580 sq ft, at an average price of $153,808. The highest priced unit sold for $510,000 - a new build in Windsor Village with 3596 sq ft.
Dublin area: 45 condos sold, averaging 1314 sq ft, at an average price of $144,661. The highest priced unit sold for $590,000 - a new build in Tartan West.
Hilliard area: 54 condos sold, averaging 1358 sq ft, at an average price of $135,177. The highest priced unit sold for $530,000 - a unit in Ballantrae.
Delaware area: 10 condos sold, averaging 1410 sq ft, at an average price of $117,930. The highest priced unit sold for $185,000..
Worthington area: 24 condos sold, averaging 1242 sq ft, at an average price of $111,543. The highest priced unit sold for $170,000.
So if you’re in the market to buy a condo, you should be able to find one that suits your lifestyle or budget. Call me if you need help.
In Sunday’s Dispatch, a columnist was offering his opinion on how counties voted for the two Democratic candidates in the recent Primary election. In the article he mentioned that Delaware County voted much different than all the other 88 counties in Ohio citing that it was a “yuppie” county.
I decided to check the actual demographics to see if they supported his comment. The demos of the more populated southern half of the county definitely support the columnist’s yuppie comment. The numbers below are for MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME, % of residents having a BACHELOR’S DEGREE or higher, and the MEDIAN AGE of residents. The list is high-low by income.
I recently read an article in This Week News - Olentangy edition - that I found to be disturbing.
It seems the Delaware City Council is considering raising water/sewer/trash fees once again. Their rationale for the increase is that since developers are building fewer homes than projected, there will not be enough revenues to pay for the $26-million expansion of the city’s waste treatment plant. The Council also cites increased operation and maintenance costs as a reason for the requested increase, plus it will help fund future projects. They, the Council, says the increases are “warranted” because residential construction has dropped in recent years.
Hm-m-m … could residents ask the Council to tighten their belts like everyone else in the real estate industry is doing?
The proposed legislation would increase the rates by 2% for water, 16% for sewer and 8% for trash. Past rate increases were:
2007 saw a 2% increase to each of the three services
2006 had increases of 2.5% to both water and sewer, and 2.35% for trash.
2005 had an increase of 3.5% to all three services.
2004 had an increase of 3.13% to all three services.
Per the article, the city’s Finance Director Dean Stelzer, goes on to say that projected increases are planned for 2009 (2% - water, 3% - sewer, 8% - trash) and 3% across the board for both 2010 and 2011. There are to be three hearings prior to this year’s increase going into effect May 1, but no dates were given for those hearings for residents to voice their opinion.
Although I live south of the city of Delaware, my home is in the confines of the city limits. Every week there are two refuse trucks that pick up the trash. One truck picks up the “monster bins” and the second truck picks up recycle bins. During the growing season, a third truck picks up yard waste. Not all residents use the recycle bins nor have yard waste on a regular basis. Some residents, like myself, don’t generate enough trash to bother putting out the “monster bin” each week. So each week, the three separate trucks drive by homes without needing to stop.
Delaware doesn’t use the specialized trucks that have the mechanical arms to hoist the monster bins without an extra person. so two people are required for each truck. And another two people are required for the recycle truck and yet another two people for the yard waste truck. So not only are there three trucks being used for each home, but there are the wages and benefits of six people!
Would we residents save money by contracting on our own with outside trash haulers based on our individual requirements of the service?
Years ago when I lived where we had Columbus City services, our water meters were read quarterly. Delaware reads the meter every other month and estimates the bill in the alternate month. Would it save money if they read and sent out bills quarterly rather than monthly?
IMO, the city needs to consider cost-cutting measures - as residents must do - rather than merely just enacting yet another price increase.
Elaine Reese614-825-8860Real Living HER Worthington Ohio
Assisting home sellers and buyers throughout Central Ohio in achieving their dreams.
OPEN HOUSE, Sunday Aug 24
1:00-4:00
4570 Red Bank Rd
Distinctive contemporary home on 3 wooded acres east of Hoover Reservoir. This home is so outstanding that it must be viewed in person to absorb all that it offers. If you need a massive home office or gallery, then this home has one, complete with its own entrance!
Take Sunbury Rd north of Big Walnut Rd, over the Causeway. Turn right on Red Bank Rd to 2nd home on the right.
This blog contains my personal opinions, viewpoints, and commentary. In no way, should it be construed to represent the opinions of my broker, Real Living. While attempt is made to have the information be as accurate as possible, there is no guarantee implied that the source of the info is completely accurate. Please don't make any financial decisions based on the included data. You should use your own sources to assist you in those decisions based on your unique circumstance.
This is a "G-rated" blog, therefore, any comments that do not fit this goal, will be either edited or deleted.
Lastly, I'm not responsible for anything The Murph writes. No matter how much I try, I can't control him!
Seriously, is there anyone out there that would WANT TO drive a golf court on Rt 23 next to a semi truck going 55 mph! Of course, size-wise it wouldn’t be much different than the tiny Smart Car.
When I came home today, I noticed a yellow card hanging on my door. It was from the Delaware City Grounds & Facilities Dept. They were notifying us that our street trees - all ash trees - had been treated with a systemic insecticide to control the Emerald Green Ash borer.
1:00-4:00
Delaware Ohio City Council Plans Utility Rate Hike.
March 9, 2008 · 2 Comments
I recently read an article in This Week News - Olentangy edition - that I found to be disturbing.
It seems the Delaware City Council is considering raising water/sewer/trash fees once again. Their rationale for the increase is that since developers are building fewer homes than projected, there will not be enough revenues to pay for the $26-million expansion of the city’s waste treatment plant. The Council also cites increased operation and maintenance costs as a reason for the requested increase, plus it will help fund future projects. They, the Council, says the increases are “warranted” because residential construction has dropped in recent years.
Hm-m-m … could residents ask the Council to tighten their belts like everyone else in the real estate industry is doing?
The proposed legislation would increase the rates by 2% for water, 16% for sewer and 8% for trash. Past rate increases were:
Per the article, the city’s Finance Director Dean Stelzer, goes on to say that projected increases are planned for 2009 (2% - water, 3% - sewer, 8% - trash) and 3% across the board for both 2010 and 2011. There are to be three hearings prior to this year’s increase going into effect May 1, but no dates were given for those hearings for residents to voice their opinion.
Although I live south of the city of Delaware, my home is in the confines of the city limits. Every week there are two refuse trucks that pick up the trash. One truck picks up the “monster bins” and the second truck picks up recycle bins. During the growing season, a third truck picks up yard waste. Not all residents use the recycle bins nor have yard waste on a regular basis. Some residents, like myself, don’t generate enough trash to bother putting out the “monster bin” each week. So each week, the three separate trucks drive by homes without needing to stop.
Delaware doesn’t use the specialized trucks that have the mechanical arms to hoist the monster bins without an extra person. so two people are required for each truck. And another two people are required for the recycle truck and yet another two people for the yard waste truck. So not only are there three trucks being used for each home, but there are the wages and benefits of six people!
Would we residents save money by contracting on our own with outside trash haulers based on our individual requirements of the service?
Years ago when I lived where we had Columbus City services, our water meters were read quarterly. Delaware reads the meter every other month and estimates the bill in the alternate month. Would it save money if they read and sent out bills quarterly rather than monthly?
IMO, the city needs to consider cost-cutting measures - as residents must do - rather than merely just enacting yet another price increase.
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Categories: Commentary · Delaware County · Delaware Ohio
Tagged: Delaware Ohio City Council