The Borough of Northampton is entering into an agreement with a consulting firm.

By going through the data the borough believes the agreement will allow it to secure a larger state subsidy from Harrisburg, in an attempt to receive a larger state grant for recycling performance.

"It's a no brainer," Councilman Robert Coleman said at the Nov. 16 council meeting.

Coleman said the agreement will not cost the borough any money. The borough will only pay the firm if it receives additional funding from the state and if its recycling grant is higher than the present subsidy.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko said he was contacted by Hough Associates, a consulting firm, indicating it would prepare the borough's annual recycling grant application that is sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Such a move will free borough personnel from such a job.

"In the past, we have received $15,000 for our performance," Zarayko said. "Hough Associates feels that they can increase this. For any amount they can increase over $15,000, they could receive a 50 percent fee, with a maximum not to exceed $5,000."

Zarayko said he took the presentation from Hough personnel to other managers the firm worked with. He said he has not received any negative feedback.

"Speaking to other managers where they have performed the same service and some have been receiving as much as a 30 percent increase in recycling fees from the state," Zarayko sad. "I would recommend that we approve going forward with this."

Council was informed in recent years the borough's recycling material load has increased while the state subsidy has decreased.

Materials such as tires are no longer considered recyclable items that fit in the category for a state subsidy.

Zarayko said the borough is committed to mandatory recycling. He added not all municipalities are required to recycle.

Council President John Yurish favored the agreement with Hough on the basis it appear the borough will receive a higher return for its recycling efforts and not cost the borough any money.