The Town of Pine Grove moved to begin the process of adding a third tier to its garbage collection rates, based on the results of their study conducted last month to determine how much more garbage has been collected for businesses versus that of residences.

The town collected residential and business garbage separately. Weighing the separated garbage revealed that businesses produced more garbage than residences. It was further discovered that eight local businesses have a significant volume of trash above other businesses and residences. In fact, it was calculated that approximately a third of the total garbage collected for all of the businesses was from those few.

With this news the council moved to add a third tier to their present rates for large volume users. The proposed increase is from $27 to $50 for twice-weekly trash service. They will hold the first reading on this proposed change in April. Additionally, upon Councilman Tom Dulaney’s recommendation, letters of explanation will be provided out of courtesy to those potentially incurring the increased collection rate.

Regarding the sewer system upgrading project, Mayor Dave Barr shared with the council that a meeting was recently held with the contracted businesses performing the upgrades, those being Michel, Inc., out of Clarksburg, W.Va., and Cowgirl Up, Inc., out of Simpson, W.Va.

Barr said Cowgirl Up anticipates beginning their portion of the repairs in early April. The project is estimated to be completed by Dec. 31.

In another matter, council noted they anticipate patching some holes along the town’s roads as soon as the weather clears up. Also, council established that the town’s Spring Cleanup days will be May 8-9.

Lastly, a mandatory meeting for the council to lay the levy will be held the morning of April 17.