Officials butt heads over C&D charges years ago
Construction and demolition waste charges were hot topics Monday at the Marion County Commission meeting.
The City of Hillsboro had not paid a nearly $8,000 bill for the waste that was hauled from the city to the Marion County Transfer Station for disposal.
City administrator Steve Garrett said the city wanted costs waived or reduced for $7,966 that was not paid during 2003 and 2004 because the city had saved the county money over the years by having a citywide recycling program. He said then the county and the city could come up with a workable solution for future charges.
Commissioner Dan Holub asked Garrett why the city doesn't charge contractors the amount the county charges the city for disposal of the waste.
Garrett said it was a matter of principle and the city disagreed with the county's description of C&D waste. He acknowledged there had been attempts at negotiations between the city's attorney and the county's consultant, Jim Kaup but was not aware of any resolution.
"Dave (Brazil, county transfer station manager) has been paid to see this issue from the county's perceptive and I've been paid to see it from the city's," Garrett said.
Holub said there are "a lot of people" who are paying what's owed but does not want to show favoritism.
Garrett responded the city did not receive a bill until January 2005. Brazil said it was per the advice of Kaup to not bill the city during negotiations.
Holub said he didn't appreciate the city's tactics with the county regarding this matter. Garrett said he didn't either but he had the county's attention.
Brazil reported all other cities currently are up-to-date with bills at the transfer station.
He said he would like to see countywide recycling. Brazil added he wasn't sure if linking recycling and C&D waste for negotiation purposes was best but was willing to consider options.
"There are some issues we need more convincing with," Garrett said. "I'm a customer who is not yet convinced."
Holub said it wouldn't be fair to give special concessions to Hillsboro and not the other cities in the county.
Garrett said the city of Hillsboro was not asking for any special favors but wanting equality.
Holub said he was "all for" recycling but not for additional charges.
"If you can come up with a way to recycle that pays (for itself), I'm for it," said Holub. Otherwise, he said, he was going to stick with the current regulations.
Commissioner Randy Dallke clarified Garrett's end result was reduced cost for C&D waste.
"I think there's something better out there for all of us," Garrett said. He said he was confident an end result could be achieved.
Dallke asked if other cities could participate in the discussion. Garrett suggested the discussion be between himself and Brazil for now.
Brazil commented he received a letter from Kaup that stated the issue had been resolved. Garrett said he did not receive that letter or was aware of the compromise.
A resolution will be proposed to the commission no later than Nov. 7.
