Board members told staff they need a clear, near-term plan and updated cost estimates for the county landfill and its closure fund, and they discussed whether existing county funds could be used to pay down a radio system balance and be replenished later.
A county staff member said a recent cost projection lists a total landfill closure cost of about $8,800,000 projected in 2035; staff also noted permitting and construction timelines can take roughly five years. The board discussed uncertainty in the timeline: one staff presentation said a projected closure around September 2035 while members noted new survey work and cell re‑use could change that schedule.
Supervisors asked staff to provide a year-by-year cost history and updated projected closure costs (for example, a 2020 cost estimate alongside a 2035 projection). One supervisor pointed out the county has roughly 138.92 acres used by the landfill with an additional 86.5 adjacent acres the county owns, for about 225 acres under county control; the additional acreage was not included in the original permit and would require separate permitting if used as a new cell.
Board members discussed whether closure or post-closure funds could temporarily be redirected to pay down an 8.2 million-dollar radio system balance to avoid borrowing at higher interest, provided the funds are replenished before they are needed for closure. Staff cautioned that some funds are restricted and state or permitting requirements may demand funds be set aside. Members asked staff to verify whether opening earlier cells would require larger reserves and to confirm whether reuse of adjacent acreage would extend the effective life and change closure costs.
No formal action was taken; supervisors instructed staff to gather more precise figures, confirm permit timelines and refill scenarios, and return with a clearer funding plan for landfill closure and options for the radio system debt.