Kanosh residents debate town-run brush pile as private options operate

A proposal to create a fenced, staffed brush pile on the north end of Kanosh and charge residents a $15-per-household seasonal fee drew mixed reactions during public comment at the Kanosh Town Council meeting on June 11. Supporters and opponents, and town staff, weighed costs, enforcement and alternatives already offered by private operators.

The proposal’s author described a plan to run the brush pile April 1–Oct. 31, with a hired gatekeeper working about 24 hours a week (Thursday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.), a town crew to push piles and a schedule to haul material to the Fillmore landfill every two weeks. Using a seven-month season and an estimated household base, the proposer calculated roughly $28,560 in revenue for year one and listed estimated labor and truck costs of about $14,010; the presenter suggested the first-year surplus would be roughly $8,000–$13,580 depending on final fees and roll-off costs.

Supporters said $15 “doesn’t break the bank” and would lower illegal dumping, while other speakers highlighted existing private alternatives. Council and commenters described an operating roll-off (provided by Mike Holt in testimony) that costs roughly $260 each pickup and an unknown per-load landfill fee; the proposer used a $200/month placeholder in early estimates. Gail (a private brush site operator) told the meeting her site will charge a $10 fee and is already handling material, and some council members warned a town-run site could conflict with private providers.

Speakers repeatedly raised enforcement and abuse concerns. The council heard reports that shingles and other prohibited materials were being dumped at existing sites, and commenters said cameras and fencing would be needed to deter out-of-town dumping. The proposer acknowledged that fencing, a secure gate and possibly a camera system were not fully costed and that volunteer or town crews might be needed for installation. Town staff (Lauren) and other council members said the town lacks personnel for 24/7 policing and flagged liability and operational complexity as limits on town involvement.

Council members and commenters also discussed the county transfer station option in Fillmore and the private “Gail” site, with residents noting the Fillmore facility is a 15–20 minute drive and that some households already use it. Several speakers suggested the town could encourage private enterprises to offer a full-service brush, mulch and chip operation if entrepreneurs were interested.

The council did not take formal action at the meeting. Members said the proposal would be revisited during the regular council agenda and that the town would need firmer cost estimates (dump fees, roll-off pickup frequency, fencing and camera costs) before any vote. Supporters of a town-run pile urged a modest initial fee to cover start-up costs and suggested revisiting the fee after one year if surpluses were large.

Ending: The item was left for further study and budgeting; council members asked the proposer and staff to return with clearer costs for fencing, roll-off dumping fees, and a recommended enforcement approach.