The Physical Services Committee on May 27 approved an increase in yard‑waste tipping fees at Orange County‑owned solid waste facilities from $50 per ton to $65 per ton, and approved a supplemental appropriation to increase a transfer‑station capital project from $490,000 to an estimated maximum cost of $700,000 to buy screening equipment for the county compost operation.

Why it matters: county officials said the increase brings the county closer to local market rates and is intended to reduce the transfer stations’ operating deficit. The screening (trommel) machine will improve processing and product quality, enable sale of compost and mulch, and reduce handling risks.

Environmental Facilities and Services Director (identified in committee as Mr. Gray) told the committee the county had surveyed area rates and planned the $15 per‑ton increase to sit in the middle of local competitors’ pricing. A committee member asked for the comparison list; staff said surrounding processors range from about $40 to $105 per ton and that the county’s new $65 rate is roughly mid‑market.

The committee also approved increasing capital project number 912 (transfer station equipment) to an estimated $700,000 to cover a higher vendor estimate for a trommel screen. Staff said roughly $210,000 is expected from state grant sources and the county would authorize issuance of an additional $105,000 in bonding on top of the original $385,000 bond to bring county financing to $490,000 for the project balance; the increase covers a quoted $105,000 cost rise for the trommel screen cited in staff materials. The trommel is a rotating cylindrical screen used to separate larger debris from finished compost, producing a more usable product for parks and contractors.

Voting: one legislator announced an abstention on the tipping fee vote; otherwise the items carried in committee.