The Perry Public Works Department typically has one of the largest budgets of any department in the City, and fiscal year 2019 will be no different.

Deputy Public Works Director Josh Wuebker says the largest items on their budget, both in cost and size, belong to the Sanitation Department. He explains, the City’s garbage systems and equipment will be getting a complete overhaul this year. “We’re going to go to an automated system. Instead of having four bags out there, we’ll have cans. Everyone will get a cart, and we’ll pick that up once a week like we do. The carts will be purchased by the City and given to the residents. We’re purchasing two brand-new trucks, all the carts, everything. It’s a very large expense, but it’s going to be a lot better.”

Wuebker adds, they’ll be changing up the cardboard pickup schedule, and recycling will be dropped off instead of picked up. They will also be reducing the amount of days they do garbage pickup, which is primarily because the pickup process will go faster. Wuebker says all the changes boil down to safety and efficiency, and though the new equipment will be expensive, he believes it will be worth it in the long run. “Reasons are workmen’s comp insurance, (we) have a lot of injuries with throwing and stuff. It’s really hard on somebody to go out there and do that physically; to do that in all the elements and everything. So that’s just the way things are going.”

Wuebker emphasizes that there will be no downsizing in Public Works as a result of the Sanitation Department changes. It will, however, allow them to contribute a helping hand to other departments with smaller staffs, such as the Parks Department.