Quorum Court removes voluntary recycling line, keeps half-mill for conservation

Van Buren County's Quorum Court on Oct. 14 repealed the recycling portion of Ordinance 1996-21 and reestablished a single 0.5 mill voluntary tax on real and personal property to fund the Van Buren County Conservation District.

Sponsor and presiding members said the recycling center now operates without county reliance and that continuing a voluntary recycling line is unnecessary. "What this ordinance does... it reestablishes the soil conservation voluntary tax, but removes the recycling tax," the presiding official said, describing the change as a "clean" solution after nearly three decades.

Under the ordinance, the county treasurer will place voluntary revenue into a special fund for the conservation district and the collector will list the voluntary 0.5 mill as a separate, opt-in line on tax statements beginning for 2024 taxes collected in 2025. The court also approved an emergency clause so the change will be applied during the upcoming tax-setting process.

The ordinance was adopted by roll call vote with all members present recorded in favor. Court minutes record the motion, second and unanimous vote; no member was recorded as opposed during the roll call.