Commission adopts secured‑loads policy for landfill; education period through 2025, enforcement April 1, 2026

Justin Greg, environmental services director, presented a proposed resolution to establish a secured loads policy at the Ellis County Landfill. Greg said the policy’s purpose is not to raise revenue but to reduce debris on public roads and keep landfill access areas clean. “The purpose of this policy would not be to increase revenue at the landfill,” he said.

Key provisions presented: - A secured load is defined as material that is covered, tarped, tied, bound or otherwise contained to prevent materials from spilling or escaping during transport. - If an attendant determines a load to be unsecured and a roadway hazard, the landfill fee would be increased by a 50% surcharge over the applicable disposal rate as a penalty for an unsecured load. - The county will run an education and awareness period through the remainder of 2025; targeted enforcement with discretion would begin during a three‑month window, with full enforcement set for April 1, 2026. - The landfill will add signage on 50th Street and at the scale house and plans to install a camera to allow attendants to view loads on the scale and retain video for dispute review.

Toby Doherty, Hays city manager, told commissioners the city supports the resolution and will assist with public outreach; Greg said city residents bringing tree limbs to the landfill would retain the existing free disposal benefit only if their loads are secured.

County counselor Bill Jeter advised that where the new resolution differs from prior resolutions, the new language would supersede the earlier documents.

The commission voted to adopt Resolution 2025‑10. The board approved the measure 3‑0 and directed staff to carry out an education campaign and to begin staged enforcement up to the April 1, 2026 full enforcement date.