Public Works says landfill is unpermitted and short of heavy equipment; rental revenues go to general fund

George Antolic, Resident Director of Public Works for Rota, told the Ways and Means Committee that the municipality’s landfill is operating without full permitting and that the department lacks proper heavy equipment to maintain the site.

“We're currently violating the whole 9 yards at this dumping site,” Antolic said at the hearing, describing equipment shortages and a need for manufacturer‑qualified repairs on items that are not functioning. He said several pieces of capital equipment are out of service and that the department has requested assistance through grant channels and from central DPW and the grants office.

Public Works reported 28 total personnel across its divisions, including seven or eight staff in solid waste. Antolic and Solid Waste Branch Manager Albert Tovis also told members the department performs equipment rentals to private parties but that those rental receipts are deposited to the central general fund. Antolic said the department had requested that revenue from local equipment rentals and some tip fees be retained locally so the municipal DPW could use those receipts for maintenance and operating costs.

Committee members and the resident director discussed right‑of‑way work performed for other authorities and the possibility of charging those agencies for maintenance and equipment use. Antolic said several grant projects (access roads and subdivisions) were proceeding and that DPW would coordinate with other departments and the mayor to ensure cost recovery and long‑term maintenance. He also said landfill sampling and permitting work is underway to address environmental concerns.

Discussion only: Rota Public Works presented equipment and permitting needs; the committee suggested creating or preserving local subaccounts for equipment rental and tipping‑fee receipts to ensure maintenance funds remain available to the municipal DPW.