Clarkson received an early Christmas present on December 14, with the arrival of a new garbage truck valued at $119,000, replacing the existing vehicle that keeps breaking down on crewmembers.

According to Clarkson City Clerk and Treasurer Alicia Hayes, the city has $31,565.67 to pay down on the principal cost for the new equipment. The rest of the money will be financed through the Bank of Clarkson on a five-year note at the rate of 3.97 percent interest.

"We have been setting aside 10 percent of garbage revenue for some time now," Hayes said. "We will continue to set aside 10 percent, and that is what the yearly payment will come out of."

Clarkson Mayor Bonnie Henderson explained the reason for the purchase was due to new EPA changes, as well as the old truck needed some major repairs.

She said if commissioners delayed the expense until 2010, it would cost the city an additional $15,000 in fees.

“The brown truck we will bid it out,” Henderson mentioned, “we will open bids during our next meeting. The white one we will keep for now as a back up truck.”

The new truck also has additional-safety features on it, which includes a monitor on the dash for driver’s to see behind them when backing up.

Henderson explained the previous vehicle, bought in 1993, keeps breaking down on workers.