Hubbard County approves mower and four roll-off containers for solid waste operations

Hubbard County commissioners approved two solid-waste purchases meant to replace aging equipment and expand container capacity.

Solid Waste Manager recommended buying a Toro commercial mower from Up North Power and Sports for $7,911.18 to replace an older Cub Cadet mower the department had been using. “That would be our recommendation is to go with Toro from Up North Power and Sports for $7,911.18,” the Solid Waste Manager told the board. Commissioners approved the purchase by motion and second.

The board also approved a low quote from Wastequip for $26,556.12 to buy two 20-yard and two 40-yard roll-off containers; the quote included shipping and an estimated lead time of four to five weeks. The Solid Waste Manager said the 40-yard containers could be used for wood chips and the organics program as well as non-burnable waste at the transfer station.

Commissioners asked whether the mower could be shared with the Natural Resources/park crews; staff said they had not explored a shared-use schedule and cautioned that scheduling and differing needs can make sharing difficult. Staff noted the current mower is a 2015 Cub Cadet kept on an approximately 10-year replacement cycle and that heavier-duty commercial decks are more durable for county use.

Board members also questioned transfer-station capacity and daily trailer rotations. Staff said Hubbard County operates on a shared contract with Beltrami County and that the system can require two to three semi trailers daily during peak times; when volumes surge the facility can be temporarily backed up until trailers are rotated. Staff said they will respond to an email with answers and will bring an operational overview of transit and transfer-station processes to a future work session.

Both equipment purchases were approved by board motion; commissioners recorded affirmative votes and the motions carried.