Published: October 13, 2008 03:45 am         

For once, good news on MOSA

For the first time in many years, it appears there is cautious optimism about the future of solid-waste collection in Otsego County.

There are three reasons: a lowered quota, a free cleanup program that will benefit the county and its residents, and an upcoming forum.

The Montgomery-Otsego-Schoharie Solid Waste Management Agency has lowered its guaranteed annual tonnage quota for each of its member counties for next year. Lowering the GAT essentially means the counties are not held to delivering as much trash as they were this year. In an age where conservation and cutting back on waste is paramount _ environmentally and economically _ forcing counties to deliver an unreasonably high amount of garbage or pay a financial penalty is untenable.

Seeing as none of the counties appears able to make its quota, lowering the target by about 5 percent was the only responsible move. It shows MOSA is willing to listen to its members' concerns and set targets that reflect reality.

There still remains the task of fulfilling this year's quota, lest the penalty _ in Otsego's case, an estimated $200,000 _ be passed on to taxpayers. We applaud the recent move of the Otsego County Board of Representatives in approving a fall cleanup program. It will allow construction debris, old furniture, junk and the like to be dropped off for free, helping offset the GAT deficit facing the county. The first dates are Oct. 20, 23, 27 and 30, at the Northern Transfer Station in Fly Creek.

While residents must still pay the normal fees for regular garbage, this is a one-time chance to unload larger or unusual materials for free, and we hope people take advantage. They are getting a break, and they are helping the county avoid, or at least minimize, penalties.

The third point of optimism comes from the planned panel discussion Thursday on the pros and cons of a landfill in the county. Now, siting a landfill is no reason to jump up and down. But one may be necessary if Otsego is to break free of a MOSA-like system after that consortium expires in 2014. The League of Women Voters of the Cooperstown Area is sponsoring the panel, and its president said that the group is "eager to look at future options."

The planning for a post-MOSA world should have started long ago. The necessary discussions must not be delayed further, and forums such as that are the first step. If the public is energized and active, the county board is more likely to act, and act decisively.