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Council debate resumes over Resource Authority tipping fees; motion to draft ordinance dies for lack of second
Summary
Councilmembers renewed concerns about the regional Resource Authority charging $60 per ton for tipping when council documents indicate a $45 maximum. Members requested staff pursue changes to the contractual agreement; a motion to direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance died for lack of a second.
Councilmember Gervais reopened a long-running concern on Oct. 21 about the Resource Authority’s tipping fee for municipal solid waste. Gervais said the authority is charging $60 per ton while, he asserted, the city’s ordinance or agreement limits the charge to $45 per ton; he called the discrepancy an ongoing problem that has lasted roughly 20 months.
Mayor and staff explained the practical constraint: the tipping fee and collection formula are governed by an interlocal agreement between the Resource Authority, the City of Gallatin and other member governments. City staff said changing the fee structure requires negotiation and mutual agreement among the contract parties and noted that the Resource Authority is expected to have new legal counsel in the near future. The city attorney advised that the agreement must be amended by all signatories; the city cannot unilaterally change the Resource Authority’s prices.
Councilman Gervais pressed for more action and proposed directing the city attorney to draft an ordinance to address the issue and to coordinate with partner governments. No councilmember seconded the motion, and it therefore failed. Councilmembers and staff discussed continuing outreach to the authority and to Sumner County and indicated they would pursue negotiation once the authority has new counsel. Several council members expressed frustration with the delay but also noted that unilateral action by the city is legally constrained by the existing agreement.
Ending: The council did not adopt any ordinance or directive at the Oct. 21 meeting. Staff said they will continue efforts to coordinate with the Resource Authority and other signatories and will report back when negotiations progress.
