Mayor and staff say recent state inspection found only minor landfill violations; council told rates lag regional peers

The mayor and city staff reported that the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality inspected the city landfill in October 2024 and produced a report that city officials described as “not very bad,” with only minor violations that staff are correcting.

The update came during the Helena City Council’s Jan. 28 meeting, when the mayor asked Mr. Wilson, a city staff member, to brief the council about the inspection and the landfill’s operations. The mayor said the October report was nearly identical to a report referenced at the Jan. 28 meeting and that the report had been emailed to council members but had not been posted online. ‘‘They inspect our landfills on a regular basis,’’ the mayor said, adding that the report included items staff must fix but that landfill personnel “are doing an excellent job with what they got.”

Why it matters: Council members were told the landfill’s condition and the city’s tipping fees have budget and service implications for sanitation operations and for the city’s net disposal revenue relative to nearby counties.

Council information about rates and contracts: The mayor and staff said the city previously charged $35.40 per ton, has been charging $40 per ton, and recently approved a new three-year contract with the East Arkansas Regional Solid Waste Management District that would allow staged increases “up to $48 a ton and then up to $50.5 a ton and eventually up to $53 a ton.” The mayor said Jonesboro and another county landfill already charge more than $48 per ton and that Crittenden County charges $47.44 per ton. The mayor also said that out of the city’s $40-per-ton charge, $2 per ton goes to the East Arkansas Regional Solid Waste Management District and $2.50 per ton goes to the State of Arkansas.

Staff said the October ADQ write-up included an ‘‘overfill’’ finding for waste within the cell that required moving material back into the cell and that water had collected under the cell cover in places; staff described those items as minor and said they are addressing grading and pump equipment issues. Mr. Wilson said the city applied for a grant to replace pumps and road repairs, did not receive the first award, and has reapplied; staff expect a decision from Rural Development and said the Delta Regional Authority indicated a likely award. Mr. Wilson said ADQ inspector Mr. Tobin had told staff they had made “great strides” and that the city is working to comply with the consent order (COA) requiring landfill improvements.

Operational constraints and equipment: Councilors and staff discussed road access to the landfill. Mr. Wilson said the city had a contract with the county to help grade the road and that the county judge is providing gravel. The mayor and staff said equipment shortages and recent inclement weather have slowed repairs, and staff said they will continue to make corrections.

What was not decided: Councilors did not take a formal vote on new tipping fees during the Jan. 28 meeting; the presentation was an informational update and staff said they would return with paperwork and more details.

Ending: Staff asked councilors to direct questions and to note that improvements are ongoing; no additional timeline for full COA removal was specified.