Board raises select transfer-station fees; out-of-county and yard-waste rates increased in unanimous vote

The Hart County Board of Commissioners voted March 11 to revise the county transfer-station fee schedule, keeping the in-county municipal waste charge at $60 per ton while increasing yard-waste and out-of-county fees.

County staff presented audited revenue and expense figures and said the transfer station currently operates at roughly a 20% deficit when accounting for equipment replacement and capital needs. Staff reported monthly averages for municipal waste and other categories and recommended increasing out-of-county rates to reduce cross-jurisdictional loads on the county facility.

After discussion the board approved a motion to keep local resident/municipal tip fees at $60 per ton, set yard-waste at $45 per ton and raise out-of-county tip fees to $120 per ton. Commissioners discussed how staff will verify residency (driver’s license or out-of-county vehicle tag) and directed staff to provide brief notice to regular commercial customers before the change takes effect. The board recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

Staff noted the transfer station’s contract with the county’s waste hauler includes annual price increases that will further affect operating costs. Commissioners also discussed giving on-site staff autonomy to temporarily suspend commercial acceptance if an unexpected onslaught of incoming loads made the site unsafe or overloaded.

The transcript does not include a complete revised fee table or an exact effective date; commissioners asked staff to notify customers and suggested a short notice window (two weeks was discussed) so accounts and billing can be updated.