Trash disposal costs continue to increase
Robinson Trucking of Florence, the county's solid waste hauler, asked for and received an increase for a fuel surcharge.
Marion County Commission approved the addendum Dec. 28, after approving the contract with the trucking company at a previous meeting.
The addendum will allow the company to collect a fuel surcharge based on a formula instead of a flat rate.
Currently, the trucking firm receives an additional one cent per loaded mile for every dime when diesel fuel is more than $1.50 per gallon.
The trucking company uses a new percentage, based on Energy Information Administration, when the company hauls rock.
David Brazil, county transfer station manager, said it would average three cents per loaded mile.
Prior to the commission's approve, Brazil reminded the commission if the addendum was not approved, the county would have to go out for bids for a hauler.
It was determined the new rate would be a $62.88 per trip increase. The company makes 380-385 trips per year which will require approximately $25,000 more spent from the budget than planned.
Brazil said county attorney Susan Robson had reviewed and approved the addendum. She recommended a new contract be drawn next year with the trucking firm.
Commissioner Randy Dallke said he was concerned about the increases being covered by the $81 per household charge for disposal of solid waste.
Brazil said the budget could accommodate the increase this year but was not sure about future increases.
"This trash thing is driving me up a wall," said Commissioner Dan Holub. He asked Brazil how the commission got into the transfer station business. Brazil responded there were a lot of variables.
Dallke said this was the reason he wanted to look elsewhere for solid waste disposal options.
Brazil was instructed to put together and present a plan to the commission to cover the increase of costs.
In other business:
— Discussion was heard regarding the allowed number of inoperable vehicles. Currently, county zoning regulations allow up to 10 inoperable vehicles on a property. Dallke asked the commission to consider fewer.
Brazil said he would like to see those areas enclosed. He will work on an update.
— A change order was approved by the commission regarding an increase in engineering fees for the additional work on Peabody streets.
Kirkham-Michael Consulting will receive an additional $17,772 from the county for work regarding the overlay of streets in Peabody.
— A lease-purchase agreement was signed by the commission regarding two new dump trucks. The agreement was with Tampa State Bank of Marion.
