Mount Carmel residents will have to wait a few more weeks before the city's annual leaf collection program gets underway.
During last week’s Mount Carmel City Council meeting, Public Works Director Mike Hannah reported that city crews are preparing equipment for the upcoming leaf pickup season.
Hannah said the city's leaf collection truck has been fitted with its collection box, the equipment is running, and the batteries have been charged.
Crews will soon take the truck out to test the equipment and make sure everything is operating properly.
However, Hannah emphasized that the city is not yet actively collecting leaves, and any trucks residents see operating are simply undergoing equipment testing.
Mayor Joe Judge added that scheduled leaf collection is not expected to begin until later in November, noting that many trees throughout Mount Carmel are still holding their green leaves.
City officials have not yet announced a specific starting date for the annual leaf pickup program.