Landfill leaders seek clarity on out‑of‑county revenue and long‑term expansions

Landfill staff briefed commissioners on operations, revenue and near‑term capital needs, and asked for follow‑up work ahead of final budget decisions.

Revenue picture and reserves: staff said out‑of‑county waste volumes have fallen from prior highs and that the budget packet conservatively assumes no out‑of‑county tipping revenue until the county can confirm contracts and volumes. Landfill leaders recommended sharper revenue projections before committing to capital transfers previously planned from landfill reserves.

Operational changes and cost control: the landfill launched a focused safety training program with job‑specific courses and spotter training for compactor operations; staff also consolidated positions to reduce part‑time usage and optimize day‑to‑day staffing. Staff reported continued efforts to control equipment maintenance costs as parts and repair needs increase with aging equipment.

Long‑term capital and leachate management: staff said the county has plans in progress for C&D and MSW expansion and has submitted KDHE filings. To extend life and control closure liabilities, the department is reviewing options such as alternative leachate handling (evaporation/thermal solutions) and finding on‑site cover material sources; staff noted that some capital projects previously planned for landfill funds may be deferred pending updated revenue projections.

Why it matters: landfill is managed as an enterprise (non‑taxing) fund; declining out‑of‑county volumes would require either rates or reserves changes and affect how much the landfill can transfer to county capital projects.

Ending: commissioners asked landfill staff to sharpen near‑term revenue assumptions and provide a revised plan for transfers and CIP support before the budget is adopted.