LEWIS RUN — The possibility of privatizing garbage service in Lewis Run Borough isn’t being tossed into the can just yet.

Discussion emerged again at a meeting of Lewis Run Borough Council on Tuesday, where Councilman Joe Cucuzza said he is in in favor of researching the matter, while others are opting for the status quo — borough-run trash collection.

In speaking with borough leaders at a recent McKean, Warren, Potter, Elk, Cameron Counties Boroughs Association meeting, council President Irv Swartz said two municipalities dislike contracting for garbage service. In fact, he said that contractors are ripping off residents.

In his view, though, Cucuzza said he thinks that contractors can be controlled, at least somewhat.

At this point, two borough employees collect the garbage in a span of 25 to 30 hours a week, and changing the method could impact taxes or employment, said borough secretary-treasurer Joanne Caldwell.

“I don’t really think it’s broke, so why fix it? That’s my opinion,” Councilman Steve Kloss said. “Unless you can prove that it would be cost effective to do that (contract out). I mean, we’re not losing money on garbage.”

But a new truck will have to be purchased soon, Councilman James Coldren said. Officials are figuring that amount would be around $200,000.

“But over the months it will pay for itself. The garbage route has generated a decent amount for the borough,” Coldren said.

In a related topic, Kloss announced that electronics are no longer being accepted at the county landfill, but borough officials are still collecting items throughout the borough. The collection of electronics will be taken to the Bradford City Public Works barn during a recycling event slated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 24.

Also at the meeting, council adopted an ordinance that would amend the exemption period and schedule changes for the borough’s Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance, also known as LERTA.

In layman’s terms, tax relief would be provided to Keystone Powdered Metal Co. at 8 Hanley Drive, which is planning on expanding its facility in the borough.

Borough council enacted the program in 1996 for Keystone’s arrival in Lewis Run. The Bradford Area School Board and McKean County Commissioners also agreed to take part in the borough’s LERTA program, which expired in 2001.

Under the ordinance, the tax exemption period and exemption schedule for improvements would run from April 12 to April 12, 2017. After the improvements become assessable, the plant would follow a five-year tax exemption schedule.

In the first year, 100 percent of the improvements would be tax exempt; 80 percent in the second year; 60 percent in the third year; 40 percent in the fourth year; and 20 percent in the fifth year. After the fifth year, the tax exemption would be terminated, according to the borough’s ordinance.

In other business, Kloss announced that borough residents will cast their ballots for the April 26 primary election at the firehall on Main Street rather than the borough building. The permanent relocation comes as a parking convenience for the elderly residents, Caldwell said.

Council also approved rehiring Michael Kloss to work for the borough’s public works department, starting in May. He also worked during his summer break last year.

Mayor Vincent Montecalvo was absent from the meeting.