With a garbage collection contract nearing its end, Emsworth Council has voted to have the borough rejoin the Quaker Valley Council of Governments (QVCOG)

The QVCOG, comprised of municipalities along the Ohio River in this area, performs a number of functions, primary among them the negotiation of joint contracts for municipal services and administration of federal grants. Emsworth opted not to join the COG last year, saying that the borough did not utilize its services.

Emsworth's dues for a year total $1,600, according to borough secretary Cathy Jones.

Council member Paul Getz said it would cost Emsworth $1,000 just to have specifications prepared and advertise for bids for a new garbage contract. Council president Maria West said that Emsworth residents could end up paying more if the borough attempted to negotiate its own contract.

Council member David Heflin doubted that would happen, given that any contractor servicing the rest of the North Boroughs would be in the area and likely to extend its fees to Emsworth.

"I don't think that's a good enough reason to join the COG," Heflin said.

He did, however, think Emsworth should rejoin "if it's creating ill will around the Boroughs that we're not in the COG."

Getz said that officials discovered that Emsworth also is not eligible for low-interest AIM loans unless the borough is a member of COG. Such loans have been needed to purchase equipment in the past, Getz said.

Council unanimously approved Heflin's motion to rejoin the QVCOG.