Boyle County approves hazardous-waste and composting grant applications and authorizes new recycling hire

The Boyle County Fiscal Court on March 11 acknowledged the Solid Waste & Recycling annual report, approved submission of a household hazardous-waste grant application and voted to apply for a wood-composting (air-curtain) matching grant. The court also approved hiring one full-time recycling employee with an approximate start date of May 1.

Recycling Director Angie Muncy presented the annual report and said the county set a record for OCC (cardboard) collection, exceeding one thousand tons. Muncy then summarized the household hazardous-waste grant application and noted the application packet included state grant funds and in-kind local match; she said the state awarded the county assistance in the prior year when actual collection exceeded the grant by several thousand dollars.

Muncy next presented a wood-composting/air-curtain grant proposal. The application materials listed a requested grant amount in the packet (presented as $245,107 in the materials) and the project would require a local match; Muncy and magistrates discussed site selection, truck access and public concerns about smoke. Several magistrates favored pursuing the grant while noting the importance of choosing a site that provides adequate setbacks and access; the recycling director and staff emphasized that the air-curtain unit is mobile and could be relocated if operational impacts arise. The court asked staff to evaluate candidate sites, including the county’s sludge-farm property on Old Stanford Road, and to consult with city partners; the timeline discussed suggested grant awards would likely be announced in June.

On staffing, Muncy requested and the court approved hiring one full-time recycling employee to address workload; committee members said the estimated near-term payroll cost through the end of the fiscal year would be modest (roughly the cost of several pay periods) and that full-year funding would be requested in the next budget cycle. The court discussed timing and asked staff to coordinate with the city regarding ongoing recycling services and budget contributions.

The court approved the hazardous-waste and composting grant applications by voice vote and approved the additional recycling hire. Staff were directed to submit grant applications by stated deadlines and report back if awards are received.