MOSA Dissolution Signed Into Law

ALBANY, 04/11/14 – Dissolution of the Montgomery, Otsego, Schoharie Solid Waste Authority has New York State approval under legislation (S.6181/A.8406) signed into law today.  The legislation was sponsored by Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I- Oneonta) and follows a home rule request from the three member counties and the authority.

“The service agreement governing the authority is set to expire at the end of the month, and all three member counties have done their due diligence to plan for their solid waste disposal needs in a post-MOSA world,” said Senator Seward.  “The state legislation follows a similar home rule request to establish the authority 25 years ago.”

Along with formally ending the solid waste authority, the new law also includes a plan for the distribution of the authority’s assets and liabilities among the three member counties.

The Montgomery Otsego Schoharie Solid Waste Authority (MOSA) was formed in 1988 to handle solid waste and recycling needs of the three member counties.  The service agreement governing the authority is scheduled to expire on April 30, 2014.

As the Schoharie News reported last month, the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors have already approved Casella Resource Solutions to operate the county's waste transfer station in Cobleskill to provide continued service for local residents. The details of that contract were not revealed at the time. 

With MOSA Dissolution Looming, County Approves Casella Resouce Solutions to Operate Transfer Station

Following the New York State Senate's vote to dissolve MOSA on Thursday, the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors approved a five year contract with Casella Resource Solutions to manage the county's transfer station in Cobleskill with unanimous support from the county board. 

The contract, which is still under negotiation, would have Casella managing the daily operations and regular maintenance of the facility, while the county would maintain the operating permit and perform major repairs; such as roof and foundation work. 

There will be little to no change for local customers as the contract will neither alter existing operating hours nor limit any form of waste management. Casella has already set minimum operating fees, but the final rates will be determined by the county when the insurance companies issue their quotes.

In addition, according to Schoharie County Treasurer Bill Cherry, tipping fees are expected to remain the same and cover, "most, and perhaps all, county costs associated with owning the former MOSA facility."

The State Assembly is expected to vote on MOSA's dissolution early next week, which could come as early as April 30th if Otsego County has their way. In other action, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to enter into a five year landfill post-closure contract with neighboring Montgomery County. 

State Senate Approves MOSA Dissolution

ALBANY, 03/20/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I- Oneonta) today announced senate approval of legislation he sponsors, allowing the dissolution of the Montgomery, Otsego, Schoharie Solid Waste Authority (MOSA).  Senator Seward’s bill (S.6181) follows a home rule request from the three member counties and the authority.

“MOSA was created following a home-rule request.  Now, after a quarter-century, it is appropriate to honor a similar request to dissolve the authority,” said Senator Seward.  “With the service agreement governing the authority scheduled to expire in April 2014, the time is now to take this step.”

Along with formally ending the solid waste authority, the bill also includes a plan for the distribution of the authority’s assets and liabilities among the three member counties.

“Each member county has put in a great deal of time and effort planning for the future solid waste disposal needs of their residents.  This state legislation will allow them to move forward,” Seward concluded.

The bill has been sent to the assembly where companion legislation, A.8406, has been introduced by Assemblyman Bill Magee.