The City was awarded a $25,000 Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity Program (RREO) mini grant to build a new cardboard cover structure and concrete improvements at the Rickey Recycling Center. Our cardboard recycling area is open to the elements and susceptible to storm water runoff from the adjacent baler building. The cardboard is damaged by precipitation from above and muddy drainage from below. Water damage makes it difficult to bale our cardboard until it dries, reducing our productivity and ultimately, damaging the paper fiber and reducing the salvage value. This project will enable us to build a post and beam cover structure, open on four sides, to protect the cardboard storage area, and add gutters, sidewalks and a concrete driveway to the north side of the baler building.

At the time the application was submitted at the end of June 2021, the cost of construction was $28,244, but by the time it went to bid in January 2022, construction costs had increased and the lowest bid was $47,500. The grant was awarded for the maximum amount of $25,000, so if the project is to proceed, the difference will have to be taken from the recycling center budget. 

The income in the 2021 Budget for the Rickey Recycling Center was $15,000 but the actual income totaled $127,561; a $112,561 increase. The budgeted income for 2022 is $40,000 and is probably also conservative.

This project would require using part of that income.  Also, every improvement to the recycling center improves the quality of the products and potentially, increases the rate of return. Furthermore, if we do not make up the budget shortfall for the project, we will not be able to build and will have to return the $25,000 grant.