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Polk County approves final payments on landfill project, adjusts recycling equipment costs and reviews compost grant delays
Summary
The board released retainage for a completed landfill contract, approved an increased invoice for a German-made dual-deck fine screen after tariffs and transport were added, and discussed MPCA grant delays affecting organics equipment and a compost pad that awaits engineering and permit steps.
Polk County commissioners approved release of a $13,207 retainage payment to RJ Zavro & Sons, closing out a split contract from the 2024 Phase 15 landfill project, and approved an adjusted final equipment cost of $141,872.21 for a dual-deck fine screen purchased under an MPCA recycling grant.
County public works staff told the board they originally budgeted the recycle equipment at $128,680; additional transport and tariff charges raised the vendor total, requiring county approval of the higher final amount. A separate piece of equipment from Germany — a bag opener — was delayed in shipping and was still at sea at the time of the meeting. County staff said tariffs for the organics robots coming from Canada may add further costs and that vendor Titus will temporarily front those charges and bill the county.
Commissioners and staff discussed delays in the issuance of the landfill permit and the need to amend state grant timelines for the compost project at the county site. Staff said they cannot proceed with work at the compost site until an engineer is formally assigned by the state and that the state agency (MPCA) and grant administrators have been notified of the delay. Staff recommended moving forward with equipment acceptance and accounting adjustments where possible and pursuing amendments for work that must wait for permit-related steps.
The board also heard an update on hauling contracts: the joint hauling contract administered through Beltrami County is being rebid; results show increases that are moderate compared with prior years. Waste Management’s recent acquisitions in the region and changes among local haulers could affect where collected waste and recyclables are delivered in coming months, staff said.
Ending: Commissioners approved the payments and directed staff to continue grant and permit coordination with state agencies while tracking tariff and transport costs for imported equipment.
