Leavenworth County commissioners voted to end further discussions with the City of Leavenworth about transferring operation of the county transfer station and heard a quarterly report showing heavier tonnage and a recently awarded grant to enclose a transfer-station building.

The vote came after a lengthy public and commissioner discussion about the operational and financial impacts if the city were to run or buy the county facility. Bill (Public Works) moved to “notify the city we’re not going to go forward with the discussions,” a motion that received a second and passed on a roll call recorded as aye by the commissioners present.

The solid-waste quarterly report, presented by Tammy, showed the county processed about 1,700 more tons in the quarter than in the comparable period in 2024. Tire tonnage was down slightly and household hazardous-waste appointments increased. Tammy told commissioners the county’s permit has been renewed and is now valid through 07/31/1926 (as reported in the packet) after a delay in financial-assurance review.

Tammy also said the county received a grant to enclose “Building C” at the transfer station; walls are up, and she expected garage doors to be installed in roughly a month so recycling materials will stay dry. Commissioners and staff discussed concerns about the city’s capacity to operate the facility without cutting services the county currently offers for free or at subsidized rates.

Several commissioners said county residents receive benefits — for example, one free dump day per year and tire and household-waste services — that might be lost if the city ran the transfer station. Commissioner Culberson and others said those existing county services and protections for county employees were part of the reason they opposed further talks.

The county emphasized that the City of Leavenworth may still use the transfer station if it pays the same rates charged to other users; the board’s action was to stop pursuing discussions about a transfer or sale of the county facility.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to notify the City of Leavenworth that the county will not continue talks about transfer or sale of the county transfer station: motion moved and seconded; roll-call recorded as “Aye” by commissioners present; outcome: approved.

Why it matters: The transfer station serves both city and county residents and provides subsidized services the county considers part of its public service portfolio; ending talks preserves the current operating model and the services the county offers to its taxpayers.

Context and next steps: Staff will inform City leadership that the county will not proceed with transfer discussions. County staff and some commissioners said the city remains able to use the county facility if it pays the established rates.