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Clay County readies budget changes, equipment plans if Moorhead ends resource‑recovery contract
Summary
Solid‑waste staff presented a preliminary budget that shifts tipping‑fee revenue and adds operating costs for the transfer station if Moorhead discontinues its contract, including a $100,000 internal service fee to fund new heavy equipment.
Clay County solid‑waste officials told commissioners Tuesday they have prepared a revised budget that reflects the possibility the city of Moorhead will not continue its contract at the county’s resource‑recovery/transfer station. The staff presentation outlined moved revenue lines, new operating costs, and potential equipment purchases if the county assumes more direct responsibility for transfer‑station operations.
Corey explained the proposal includes a movement of about $1.3 million in tipping‑fee revenue from the existing landfill budget into the resource‑recovery (transfer‑station) budget to reflect the 24,000 tons Moorhead currently delivers. The county also proposes an internal‑service charge of $100,000 annually to fund new heavy equipment at the transfer station; Corey said brand‑new replacement bids for a waste handler and payloader were running roughly $850,000.
Other items highlighted: - The county is proposing to move some capital expenses into operating to lower the per‑parcel capital fee on property tax statements from $50 to $40 by changing how capital is budgeted. - Transfer‑station tipping fees would be revised: an estimated $56 per ton at the landfill (direct delivery) and roughly $81 per ton if material is delivered to the transfer station. An additional $25 per ton was included to cover newly budgeted expenses. - The county budget includes hiring an operator and shifting several staff and benefit lines into the transfer‑station budget; staff estimated an increase in salaries and benefits of roughly $84,000 for that fund. - The county would also add line items for fuel, equipment maintenance, snow removal and a concrete pad for trailer dolly parking (Corey estimated the dollar amounts in the packet).
Corey said the county has analyzed whether work can be provided in‑house (snow removal, mowing) to save costs and noted that some items such as a new waste handler have long lead times (8–15 months). Commissioners and staff discussed the history of the transfer‑station agreement, which bonded and built a facility used by Moorhead and county haulers. Several commissioners emphasized efforts to avoid a large, immediate cost increase to residents while preserving operations.
Ending: Staff will continue negotiations with Moorhead and provide updated budget options; commissioners asked staff to prepare preliminary levy schedules and to notify haulers if changes will be needed in October.
