Morrow County adopts new transfer-station fees as scales go live

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 7 approved a new user-fee schedule for the county's transfer stations, moving from a largely cubic-yard, attendant-estimated system to a scale-based fee that sets a minimum charge of $11 and a per-ton fee of $90.

County public works staff told commissioners they ran a five-week pilot after installing new scales at the north and south transfer stations, collecting detail on average loads and hauling costs. Staff said hauling and other operating costs have risen in recent years and that, on average, users previously paid about $13.75 per visit under the old, estimated system. The scale-based proposal would increase the typical per-visit payment to about $19.76, staff said.

Public works staff presented statewide comparisons that showed Morrow County's proposed $90-per-ton rate sits near the range charged by other Oregon entities when transportation to a regional landfill is required. Staff also proposed continuing the county's existing list of household items accepted free of charge (appliances, mattresses and similar household goods), which the county has used as a strategy to discourage roadside dumping.

Commissioners discussed equity for rural users, the public education effort needed to inform residents about the change, and operational details such as signage and attendant procedures. County staff said signs and website notices would explain which items remain free, how the minimum charge applies and how attendants would handle unusual or uncovered loads. Staff also said they would continue refining procedures as the new scales were used more widely.

The board voted to approve the fee schedule as presented. Commissioners said the scale-based system should make charges more objective and consistent for residents and haulers.

The vote followed a data-driven presentation that included operating-cost breakdowns, tonnage trends and regional fee comparisons. Staff noted the majority of the transfer stations' operating costs continue to be covered by other licensing fees and that user fees historically covered only a portion of total system costs; the new rates were framed as an effort to reduce the county subsidy per ton while keeping small residential costs relatively low.

Implementation: staff will update on-site signage, the county website and outreach channels and proceed with the new pricing. Staff said they will continue to monitor volumes, hauling costs and public response and return to the board with adjustments if necessary.

Votes at a glance: The board approved the transfer-station fee schedule as presented by staff; the motion carried.

Ending: County staff said they expected an initial adjustment period among residents and haulers but that consistent, scale-based weighing will reduce subjective pricing and improve transparency.