A construction company in Hafnarfjörður published the following message in Morgunblaðið’s classified ads section Saturday:
“Quick Counter
A quick counter is needed to train Hafnarfjörður officials, such as those in the construction department, in the counting of containers. The person must be able to count to one in less than an hour. The job is unpaid, since working hours are flexible. The job is very rewarding, because it entails assisting individuals with limited ability to do what the average citizen can normally handle. For further information, please contact Bindir and stál ehf. by dropping an email to bindir(at)simnet.is, labeled “QUICKCOUNTER.”
Here is the reason: At the beginning of the year, the town of Hafnarfjörður changed its rules regarding how it assesses fines for containers. Every container left for more than two months is fined more than ISK 30,000 (USD 261, EUR 238).
Örn Gunnlaugsson, owner of Bindir og stál, was charged for 15 containers and asked for an explanation.
“The initial fee is ISK 11,377 (USD 99, EUR 90), and two hour hours are charged in counting fee per each container, at an hourly rate of ISK 10,201.” Örn explained. “And to top it all, the counting geniuses succeeded in counting 15 containers where there were 13, and not even all from my company.”
He understands that fines are assessed for containers placed in residential areas, but stressed that as a company, he needs some space to operate.
Örn finds that containers offer neater surroundings than spreading materials and equipment all over the place. Numerous cars without license plates escape fines, he pointed out. “What size tires do I need to put on my containers?” he joked.
