County staff report equipment repairs, possible truck trade and open operator position

Adams County Solid Waste staff told the committee May 13 they are pursuing repairs, trades and refurbishments to reduce costs and maintain operations, and that a truck driver/equipment-operator position is open.

Nate (last name not specified), speaking on equipment, said the Bomag compactor has a recurring oil-leak issue with the gearbox and that vendor negotiations with Miller Brad/Bomag aim to reduce repair costs. "At worst case scenario, so far, they've said we might be out 1,500 versus, 10 to 20,000," Nate said, describing the vendor's estimate for on-site repairs versus the cost of mechanics traveling from the manufacturer.

Staff reported one haul truck was returned to service but then developed an axle issue, and one self-contained compactor is out for rebuilding at JWR. Ruben said the rebuilt compactor will be shown with "before and after pictures" at next month's meeting and that the refurbish work saved about $20,000 compared with replacement.

On vehicle procurement, staff said they are negotiating a multi-party trade to replace a dual-compartment truck with a single-compartment straight box; vendor representatives and potential buyers have expressed interest and staff will present proposed terms to the committee before finalizing any trade.

Human-resources updates included a continuous job posting for a truck driver/equipment operator that went online May 1; staff said hiring will proceed once qualified applicants are identified.

Committee members praised cost-saving measures and asked for updates at future meetings; staff agreed to return with documentation and before-and-after photos of completed refurbishments.