Schuylkill Township has approved a new five-year garbage collection pact that calls for a slight increase.

On a 2-1 vote, the township's board of supervisors on Wednesday agreed to award the 2016 garbage collection to Tamaqua Transfer & Recycling. Supervisor Chuck Fayash was opposed.The bids from Tamaqua Transfer and Advanced Disposal of Northampton were for five years.Tamaqua Transfer turned in the apparent low bid, which averages out to $86,500 per year over the five-year period.Supervisor Christine Verdier said in addition to the fact that it submitted the low bid, she was in favor of awarding Tamaqua Transfer the contract due to their close location, and also because their rate will stay the same in each of the five years.Verdier said the company has "a very good track record.""I'm very comfortable with Tamaqua Transfer," Verdier said. "I'd like to see us keep rates as low as possible."However, Fayash was opposed."I disagree with five years," Fayash said. "Because in two years, it could be lower somewhere else."It was stated that the township's current two-year garbage collection contract was $85,440 per year.That contract is with Kreitzer Sanitation of Frackville, and is set to expire at the end of this year.Right to Know officer appointedAlso on Wednesday, supervisors on a 2-1 vote appointed Fayash as the township's Right to Know officer.Fayash, who previously filled in as the township's Right to Know officer last year, cast the sole vote against his appointment.After the meeting, Fayash explained why he voted against his appointment."They blindsided me pretty much," he said. "They told me right before the meeting."Other businessSupervisors also:• Agreed to advertise for request for proposal for services of a code enforcement officer.• Agreed to advertise for a part-time secretary/treasurer.• Agreed to advertise for maintenance staff.• Approved the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors Unemployment Compensation ordinance.• Approved the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors Health Insurance Cooperative Trust ordinance.• Approved the Fair Housing resolution for the Community Development Block Grant.