Board approves $261,594 budget amendment for solid‑waste tractor and trailer to haul recyclables

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 4 approved a budget amendment authorizing the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division to purchase a Kenworth day‑cab tractor and an open‑top live‑floor 48‑foot trailer at a total cost of $261,594.

DPW staff told the board the department transfers funds annually to an equipment reserve for capital replacements and now requests the transfer to the operating budget to buy equipment that will enable the county to haul recyclables directly to markets rather than pay a vendor to process them. Presenters said the new tractor and trailer will reduce vehicle miles traveled, cut fuel use and overtime, and increase options for selling material that previously had limited market access because of Calvert County’s distance from material recovery facilities.

Fiscal details: The amendment (BA2025‑000238) moves $261,594 from Solid Waste Fund Equipment Reserve account 40016 to capital expenditures (account 50023). After the transfer, DPW reported the equipment reserve would retain approximately $255,613 for future purchases.

Public hearing and action: The board opened a duly advertised public hearing, accepted one written comment into the record, heard staff justification and then closed the hearing. A commissioner moved to close the record and approve BA2025‑000238; the motion carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: DPW estimated the trailer could replace roughly four daily truck trips, reducing mileage and staff overtime while allowing the county to sell recyclables to a wider set of markets. Staff said no additional hires are required; existing staff are qualified to operate the equipment.

Ending: DPW will proceed with the purchase under the budget amendment and incorporate the equipment into the solid‑waste fleet; staff said the investment is expected to yield time and fuel savings that will help offset the up‑front cost.