KINGWOOD – The Preston County Solid Waste Authority Board is still trying to claim more than $40,000 in unclaimed property being held by the State Treasurer’s Office for more than two years.
The problem is that the treasurer’s office maintains the authority can’t provide adequate documentation. Over the years, the volunteer organization has changed addresses.
“I’ve tried several different addresses and have been told it’s not the right one. Even though they know who I am, they can’t give me the correct address,” Don Smith, who represents the county commission on the board, said.
Smith has been working since 2017 to get the money released. It is from fines paid in magistrate court and Department of Environmental Protection landfill tipping fees. The state does not dispute that the money belongs to the authority, only that the address it is being given is wrong.
In other business, Smith said he is applying for a $25,000 grant offered by the State Solid Waste Management Board. He said one item that could be purchased if the grant is approved will be a new dump trailer for the litter control officer.
Another item discussed was recycling bins that could be used by both solid waste and other county organizations. Smith asked board members to recommend other possible items at the next meeting. The grant must be submitted by April 30, he said.
County Litter Control Officer Jay Sowers told board members the Reedsville recycling site is closed until further notice.
In November, the Mount Vernon Climbers 4-H Club, which had manned the once monthly recycling events on behalf of the authority for more than 20 years, decided to stop volunteering there to pursue other service projects.
Sowers said he recently cleaned up 10 bags of garbage at the site and found a name in one of the bags. He said the incident resulted in a ticket.
Sowers said those who previously went to the Reedsville site can bring their recyclables to the Kingwood recycling center, down the hill from Child’s Feed at the former Penmarva building, 48 Jacobs Lane. Bins outside are available 24/7.
