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Landfill manager warns PFAS testing will raise compost price; requests public notice and possible fund transfer
Summary
Montezuma County landfill staff said new PFAS testing requirements and equipment repairs are driving higher operating costs and recommended raising compost sales to $40 per yard and seeking a possible $100,000 transfer to cover near‑term expenses.
Mel, Landfill manager, reported that increased testing mandated by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) -- especially new PFAS/PFOS sampling -- has driven up compost testing costs and requires additional laboratory subcontracting. He said sample freight alone can run about $400 per sample, that some testing now requires two labs, and that the department expects new recurring testing costs going forward.
Mel said compost screening and a Solvita test are complete and that the landfill can produce compost for sale, but recommended raising the retail price from $30 per yard to $40 per yard to cover increased testing and shredding costs. He described other expected equipment and repair costs including a broken rear end on a large tractor and higher-than-expected shredder and turner expenses. He told the board the landfill has $62,000 in the bank and that he is discussing a possible interfund transfer of up to $100,000 with county finance staff to cover short‑term cash flow.
Mel also briefed the board on routine equipment maintenance strategies and said some replacement purchases (new loader) might be deferred a month while the department evaluates finances. He asked the board to ensure public notice of the compost price increase (recommended 60–90 days) and noted the landfill is an enterprise fund and may not require explicit board approval to set rates, but recommended advance public notice nonetheless.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with the finance office and the public information officer to prepare notice language and to bring back recommended rate changes and any required formal approvals.
