Mount Carmel mayor, aldermen approve recycling partnership

MOUNT CARMEL — The Mount Carmel Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a partnership with Sullivan County Solid Waste to help operate a new recycling center. Per the agreement, Sullivan County Solid Waste will supply four recycling containers. These containers will accept paper, cardboard, aluminum and plastic. Sullivan County Solid Waste will pick up, empty and return the containers every week. These services will be provided for free. Assistant Town Manager Tyler Williams said the department wants to expand their recycling efforts in the region. Mount Carmel will be responsible for making a space for the containers and maintaining it. The town plans to put the recycling center by the police and fire stations, with an access road off Cherry Street. Williams said the center likely won't impede traffic for nearby Mount Carmel Elementary School. Additionally, he said there will be privacy screens so it isn't a nuisance or eye sore. The public works department will keep it clean, but the center will be unmanned. The project — which includes paving, fencing and more — is expected to cost around $80,000 and be completed in January 2026. Aldermen James Cross and Jim Gilliam voted against the partnership, approved at the board's Thursday meeting. Other updates The board approved the first reading of a budget amendment for the general and sewer funds. The changes cover unexpected revenue, like the fire department selling an old ladder truck for $28,000. They also address new, one-time expenses like establishing the recycling center and adding playground equipment and surveillance to the park for $45,000. Aldermen Gilliam and Philip Binstock voted against the amendment. There will be a second reading and public hearing for these amendments on Dec. 18. The board approved recommendations from Williams for financial housekeeping. These included paying off a loan in the sewer fund of more than $85,000 and moving money to maximize investments. It also approved participating in cyber security grant program from Public Entity Partners. Mount Carmel could receive up to $1,000 to reimburse IT or information technology upgrade costs. The board also approved its 2026 meeting schedule, and the town's event calendar. The board will continue to meet for work sessions on the second Thursday of the month, and for regular meetings on the fourth Thursday. All meetings are at 5:30 p.m. In November and December, the board's regular meeting will be on the third Thursday because of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mount Carmel will host the following community events next year: Easter egg hunt on March 28 Nerf war on May 16 Independence Day celebration on July 4 Back-to-school splash on Aug. 8 Fall festival on Sept. 26 Halloween event on Oct. 30 Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 30 Christmas parade on Dec. 12 Santa Run on Dec. 19 Christmas events This year, the Christmas tree lighting will be on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. on Main Street. Mount Carmel Elementary School's fourth graders and the Volunteer High School band will perform. The Christmas parade will be on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m., also along Main Street. The sign-up form to be in the parade is on the Mount Carmel Fire Department's Facebook page. Lastly, the town's fire department will tour neighborhoods on Dec. 20 in its Santa Run, starting at 8 a.m.