Park County solid-waste budget faces higher recycling costs; board weighing capital replacements

Park County’s solid-waste budget drew attention at the June 10 budget workshop after staff reported a large proposed rate increase from a recycling contractor and presented capital replacement requests for compactors, containers and trucks.

Public-works staff said recycling contractor bids appear likely to be higher this year, and the department has budgeted a roughly $90,000 increase that would be passed through to users. The presentation noted that county staff have left voicemail messages to 4 Corners Recycling and are awaiting a formal rate notice.

Capital requests listed in the preliminary budget include front-load containers ($20,000), pickup trucks (~$45,000), two new roll-off containers ($20,000) and replacement of a hook-lift truck (estimated $260,000) on a planned 6–8 year replacement cycle. Staff said some smaller container purchases were budgeted under operating lines rather than capital because individual items fall under the county’s $5,000 capitalization threshold.

Solid-waste board members and a public commenter said removing recycling service would require an extended public process. A board member who identified themself as a long-time solid-waste board participant said, “In order to get rid of recycling, we would have to hold a year of public meetings.” Another commenter recommended forecasting and earlier budget planning to avoid midyear surprises.

No formal rate adoption or contract award occurred at the workshop; staff said the solid-waste board and commissioners must approve changes and that the $90,000 recycling increase is currently treated as a pass-through to the contractor.