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Stearns County approves $750,000, 5-year household hazardous waste contract amid debate over advertising and funding
Summary
County commissioners approved a five-year, $750,000 contract for household hazardous waste (HHW) services after a 3–1 vote. Commissioners questioned the contract’s advertising budget, use of reserve "score" funds and long-term program strategy.
Stearns County commissioners approved a five-year contract worth $750,000 to operate the county’s household hazardous waste program, voting 3–1 to place the item on the consent agenda despite concerns about advertising costs and fund use. Commissioner Steve Clark moved approval; Commissioner Notch seconded.
The contract drew questions about the allocation of funds for outreach and whether the county is getting value for money from a significant advertising line. Commissioner Persky said, “I’m just a little bit concerned about, making a commitment for $750,000 over the next 5 years” and asked whether the county would be receiving a return on the advertising portion if state “score” dollars were not available.
Shelley Benson, environmental services director, and Heather (procurement manager) described the county’s competitive procurement process. Heather said, “We go through the request for proposals process. It's a very lengthy process,” and outlined that proposals are evaluated confidentially by a 3–5 person team and that the county provides evaluation criteria to bidders.
Commissioners who supported the contract stressed the benefits of consistent advertising while supporters of stronger fiscal restraint urged the county to review the overall household hazardous waste fund and broader spending priorities. One commissioner noted that a prior cut to the advertising budget in 2018 had sharply reduced attendance at collection events.
The board also discussed the structure of the household hazardous waste fund and how it is taxed; a commissioner said the fund has grown to roughly $9 million and noted an 8% local tax layered on top of a 17% state tax, calling for a future discussion of how the fund should be used. Supporters of expanded hours and mobile collections said outreach is required for the public to learn new hours and services.
The motion to place F4 on the consent agenda passed by roll call: Commissioner Notch, Commissioner Clark and Commissioner Bertram voted in favor; Commissioner Persky voted no. The contract was approved as presented.
The board directed staff to provide commissioners with the vendor metrics and the procurement evaluation materials underpinning the award so the public record shows how the county evaluated competing proposals.
