Mayor Greg Fischer cited "rapid revenue growth and continued efficiencies" when announcing the surplus.

Councilman David James is asking the mayor to give council a seat at the table in an ongoing contract negotiation.

The 490 Projects says members of the public should be at the negotiating table.

Fischer's administration and Metro Council will split an estimated $70,000 for collection services during the three holidays in question: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Junior Day and Memorial Day. 

On Wednesday, Middletown library patrons weren't the only people surprised by the abrupt closures. Middletown Mayor Byron Chapman was too.