WATKINS GLEN—The village’s recycling contractor Monday withdrew a request to reopen its contract in an effort to compensate for higher dumping fees.

Frank Craven of Arrowhead Disposal told the village board he is willing to complete the current contract, which expires in May, at the agreed-upon rate of $2,600 per month.

“As long as fuel stays halfway decent, I’ll survive,” Craven said.

The village rejected Arrowhead’s request for an additional $200 per month Dec. 15. The contractor blamed the increased costs on higher fees imposed by Casella Waste Systems in Chemung County.

Mayor Judy Phillips said the village is willing to work with Arrowhead Disposal on ways to improve the recycling operation.

“If there’s anything we can do to make it better, we’re willing to do that,” Phillips said. “I don’t know what the options are.”

She said the village will consult with its lawyer, David Ealy, to determine what the alternatives are if a similar request to reopen a contract is made in the future.

Craven said Arrowhead is not reaping big profits because of lower fuel costs.

“Fuel was $3 a gallon when the contract began,” he said.

When fuel went over $4 a gallon, Arrowhead’s expenses increased, he said.

The village is expected to act at its Jan. 20 meeting on a new policy covering special events or festivals held on village property.

Clerk Donna Beardsley said the proposed policy resulted from several months of discussion about problems experienced with some past events.

The policy would impose a fee ranging from $50 to $150 per day on the sponsors of each event. Beardsley said she looked at all special events to see what each one cost the village.

Organizations would be required to seek village board approval for each event. The fee will be based in part on the amount of village property used and the length of the event.

It will also take into consideration the amount of time village employees are required to spend preparing for, assisting with and cleaning up after the event. Additional charges could be imposed if village employees are required to work overtime or if the village has to hire outside assistance to deal with the event.

Sponsors will be responsible for any overtime costs and for the cost of hiring additional employees, such as police officers or trash removal workers.

The new policy would be the village’s first formal written policy covering special events, Beardsley said.

The trustees Monday also accepted the resignation of long-time village health officer Dr. James Norton and appointed Dr. James Winkler to the post.