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Recycling director reports equipment failures; commissioners approve release of $32,000 in solid-waste funds
Summary
The county recycling director reported a downed forklift and box-truck repairs and asked commissioners to approve a transfer of Northwest Indiana Solid Waste District funds. Commissioners approved transferring the district funds into the county recycling donation fund and discussed equipment-replacement options.
Recycling program staff told commissioners the center’s box truck required an $8,058.15 repair and that a recycling forklift’s transmission has failed. The director presented estimates for repairing the transmission (quotes up to about $29,000) and for purchasing a replacement unit; she said used options and possible trades were being explored.
The director said the recycling program has nearly $60,000 in grant funds pending and that the county has $32,000 being held by the Northwest Indiana Solid Waste District. She asked the board to authorize release/transfer of the $32,000 into the county’s recycling donation fund to be used for equipment or other needs. A motion to transfer the funds was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners directed staff to follow up with quotes and to report back with trade-in information and warranty terms for any replacement equipment.
Commissioners and staff discussed options including buying a used forklift or paying for a remanufactured transmission, the availability of warranties (a six-month warranty for a new transmission was mentioned), and the possibility of auction or dealer trade-in options. Staff also said they will check whether the new recycling facility’s snow removal will be handled by a neighboring department and whether additional equipment should be budgeted when the new facility opens.
No motion was made to authorize specific equipment purchases at the meeting; staff will research replacement options and report back with recommendations and firm cost comparisons.
