Ellis County commissioners ask staff to draft policy on unsecured loads at landfill

Ellis County commissioners directed staff to draft a policy to address unsecured loads at the county landfill after a two-hour discussion that covered safety, enforcement and public outreach.

The discussion began with Justin Craig, Ellis County environmental services director, saying the proposal’s intent was not revenue generation but safety: “the purpose of this wouldn't be the intent would not be to generate any additional revenue at the landfill, but it's something that we possibly just need to address as a community,” Craig said. He presented options used by nearby jurisdictions — doubling tipping fees in some counties and a 50% surcharge in another — and a staff recommendation to define “secured load,” pursue an education period, and consider either a percentage surcharge or a flat fee.

County leaders and speakers at the meeting emphasized safety and practicality. A resident who identified…