Additional trips, fuel costs may break solid waste budget
Making additional trips to the Topeka landfill is taking a big chunk out of the county transfer station's budget.
The monthly tonnage report for June revealed that if the amount of solid waste continues like it has the first six months, there may not be sufficient funds in the solid waste budget until the end of the year.
County transfer station manager Rollin Schmidt reported Monday to Marion County Commission that more than 4,300 tons of trash has been collected so far this year. Last year, 7,900 tons were collected.
The department's total budget is $500,000 and hauling fees could be more than $100,000.
County clerk Carol Maggard explained that the budget for the transfer station was considered an assessment, not ad valorum taxes, and should be self-sufficient and the county should not go over that budget.
The commissioners already had braced themselves for a possible increase in solid waste fees for property owners to cover increased fuel costs, paid through the hauling company and at the landfill, and an increase in the amount of trash brought to the transfer station which has required more trips.
Schmidt said the picture wasn't as bleak as it appears because the county is collecting $40 per ton for commercial and demolition waste which has been a large part of the increase in solid waste.
In June there was nearly 884 tons of solid waste brought to the station with about 347 tons being C&D waste.
Commissioner Randy Dallke said he would rather work within the system instead of buying additional trailers for hauling trash.
In other business:
— The commission approved the purchase of 1,440 gallons of 2,4-D Amine from Ag Service of Hillsboro for $10.40 per gallon for a total of $14,976. Markley Service of Marion also presented a bid of $11.05 per gallon for a total of $15,912.
— Schmidt was instructed to talk with acting county public works director John Summerville regarding compensation to the road and bridge department for hauling solid waste to the Topeka landfill. To date, the road department has provided a driver and fuel for three trips.
"We need to pay them something," commission chairman Bob Hein said. Commissioner Dan Holub agreed but didn't think it needed to be the same rate the county pays Robinson Trucking.
