Board to revisit Lakeside Distillery request to reduce solid-waste assessment after certification and payment are verified

Board members discussed a request from Lakeside Distillery to reduce its solid-waste assessment from three units to one because the distillery is pursuing a near-zero-landfill program and seeks certification.

"He wants his assessment dropped to 1. He's at 3 right now," a board member said. Staff cautioned that the distillery still owes assessments and that board action should wait until the business is current and presents certification.

"I have a hard time signing off on it when you owe us money," said TJ Gravely, public works director. Board members said a certification showing net-zero or similar credentials would be required and that eligibility would be decided case by case.

Members agreed there is value in the distillery's waste-reduction efforts but that granting a rate reduction without verification could prompt other requests. The board recommended tabling a recommendation until the business provides the required certification and becomes current on outstanding charges; staff noted the grant of a reduction would also require review by the commission.

Ending: The board will revisit the distillery's request once staff receive the certification and confirmation the account is up to date.