Weber County discusses transfer station fees amid commercial traffic decline

In a recent Weber County Commission Work Session, officials gathered to address pressing financial concerns surrounding the county's transfer station. The meeting, held on July 11, 2025, highlighted a significant drop in commercial traffic, attributed largely to competitors like Republic Services opening a new transfer station in Ogden, which offers lower disposal rates.

Sean Wilkinson and John Watson presented the stark reality: commercial traffic has plummeted by nearly 50% in just three weeks, with daily truck counts dropping from around 120 to just 63. This decline poses a serious challenge for the county, as commercial vehicles represent a substantial portion of the transfer station's operations.

The commissioners discussed the recent fee increase from $50 to $52.24, which took effect on July 1. However, in light of the new competition, they are considering rolling back the fee to $50 to attract back lost business. Scott Park, a financial analyst, noted that while the fee increase was intended to cover inflation and rising disposal costs, the current financial health of the transfer station allows for flexibility. He emphasized that maintaining a competitive rate could prevent further loss of commercial clients.

The discussion also touched on existing contracts with Republic Services, which are up for renewal soon. The commissioners acknowledged the need to negotiate terms that could potentially bring back lost business from cities like Riverdale, which has not been utilizing the transfer station as per their contract.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners recognized the importance of adapting to the changing landscape of waste management in Weber County. They plan to monitor the situation closely over the next six months, weighing options for future operations and potential adjustments to service offerings. The outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the future of waste disposal services in the region, as officials strive to balance fiscal responsibility with community needs.