Managing editor
Marion County Commission may consider the development of a construction and demolition landfill.
The commission reviewed information March 31 from consultant Jack Chappelle of Engineering Solutions and Design, Inc.
Chappelle said he took the initiative on his own because the construction landfill facility in Herington was “going nowhere.”
The analysis revealed a cost savings to the county if construction waste didn’t have to be transported to another county for disposal. Startup costs could be significant for licensing but Chappelle believes other counties may be willing to dump at the Marion County site, paying tipping fees to the county.
“Truck drivers could be contracted to haul in C&D waste and haul out rock,” Commissioner Dan Holub said. “They could get paid both ways.”
Chappelle agreed that would be feasible. He added that now would be a good time to develop a waste site because construction of new structures is down right now and by the time a construction and demolition site is developed, construction could increase.
Greenhouse gases at former landfill
United States Environmental Protection Agency requires an annual report on greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere at all landfills, including the former Marion County Landfill.
Any landfill that was open or closed since 1980 is required to file an annual report if the gases exceed specific levels set by the agency. Chappelle said the former landfill site did not exceed those limitations and a report was not required.
Transfer station business
Two bids were submitted for the lease-purchase of a Bobcat skid steer with Community National Bank of Burns being approved. The equipment costs $30,612 with the trade of a Case skid steer. The commission wants to make a $10,000 down payment and then make payments during the next two or three years but if the bank does not agree, the county will follow the original loan agreement of three payments during a three-year period.
Joshua Housman has been hired as a truck driver for the transfer station in the position of equipment operator II at $1,820 per month.
Following a five-minute executive session between Transfer Station Manager Rollin Schmidt and the commission. It was determined an employee will have an additional 30 days to use 20 days of unused vacation.