Several Kidder Township residents spoke about the increase in fees for trash pickup, beginning with a new contract effective April 6.

Resident Erika Spott said, “This is almost a 100% increase from $190 to $370. The bid specifications state that the company will provide equipment, which includes trash cans, yet this cost is being shifted to residents.”

Spott went on to say that, “The current contract does not reflect Kidder Township as it exists today. The bid suggests every resident requires 300 gallons of trash pick up weekly, which may reflect the need of large STR‘s, but does not reflect the need of full-time or part-time residents with minimal waste.”

Spott requested a written response to her concerns and requested that she be removed from the collection list, adding that it is not too late to change the contract to another company.

Resident Wayne Kinsey said, “The increase could have been avoided. I request removal from the collection list as well.”

Recycling is not included in the new contract.

Supervisor Bruce Berger responded saying, “We had three bids. With the current contractor, we had a binder 3 inches thick with complaints. It wasn’t an easy decision.”

In other business, the township will be getting two new vehicles. The board of supervisors approved the lease purchase of a 2026 Chevy Tahoe at a cost of $78,374.52 for the police department, with payments beginning next year. A Chevy Silverado K3500 for the township plowing will be a lease purchase at a cost of $101,699.55 as no bids were received for township plowing.

A public hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Feb. 9 for Kidder Township’s Data Center Ordinance. The 13-page draft ordinance will be available on the township website.

The Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Company 2025 EMS Tax Credit/Stipend program eligibility was tabled until the entire board is together, as two members were absent.

Blue Ridge Real Estate Co. Highway Occupancy Permit agreement was approved so that all permits go to the township before going to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Kidder Township Police Department reported 209 calls in December and 4,500 for 2025, an increase of 1,500 calls from 2024.

County training hours held at the Shared Emergency Facility for 2025 were shared, noting 7,470 hours for the Fire Department, 801 hours for police and 435 for Emergency Medical Services.

Resolutions were passed for the disposition of records and a 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment increase for eligible pension recipients.

Aaron Marouchoc was appointed to a vacated seat on the Environmental Advisory Council with a 1 year term that expires on Dec. 31.

AARP will be holding tax preparation services from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each Wednesday starting Feb. 4 at the municipal building. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Carbon County residents can contact Cindy Bizarre at 610-824-7830, extension 4511. Monroe County residents should contact Alexandra Bender at 570-420-3735 extension 0.