County explores options to keep Clinton Central recycling center open as school withdraws staffing

Council members told attendees that Clinton Central school officials have notified the county they can no longer dedicate a staff member to manage the Clinton Central recycling center because tight school budgets require all staff time be devoted to education. Joel Freeman and county staff said the county will try to keep the site open in the near term while exploring grant options.

The council heard that the Clinton Central facility handles high volumes of material and is heavily used by the community. County recycling staff identified two grant opportunities: one that awards up to $100,000 with a 25% local match (county staff said matching funds are available) and another grant opening later this summer that could award between $100,000 and $500,000. Council member Carol and Joel Freeman planned to meet to pursue the near‑term application with a tight deadline.

Council members said they will return in August with an update on county staffing for the site and any successful grant applications. The county previously funded construction of a building at the Clinton Central site and indicated it may seek a longer‑term arrangement if the school cannot continue staffing the operation.