Legislature advances landfill shared-services grant; project estimated at $3–4 million

A Montgomery County committee voted to advance a resolution amending the 2025 operating budget to accept a local government efficiency grant for a landfill shared-services project administered by the public works department.

Committee discussion focused on project scope and cost. Staff estimated the total project cost at between $3 million and $4 million and said that the grant would “pretty much cover” engineering and permitting work; committee members asked whether the grant sum would be sufficient for construction and connectivity work. Staff replied the grant is intended to cover engineering and permitting and that additional capital would be required for construction. Members discussed that the project is intended to reduce long-term trucking costs and maintenance burdens by connecting multiple counties’ waste operations and that Scarry and Otsego counties were close to agreeing to participate.

During discussion a speaker noted the county would still need to replace an aging tank regardless of whether the shared-services project proceeds; staff confirmed a new tank is included in project planning either way. One committee member said a county share of roughly $1.6 million was plausible as an illustrative figure during a long-term return-on-investment discussion; staff emphasized the savings could accrue over decades.

The committee voted to move the resolution to the full board for final approval.

Ending: The resolution was advanced for full-board consideration; staff indicated they will return with final engineering numbers and a clearer breakdown of Montgomery County’s capital share and operating impacts.