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Mason County approves higher garbage collection rate, tipping fee adjustments and litter-control fence bid
Summary
After debate about rising costs and equipment needs, the fiscal court approved raising the county garbage collection rate to $13.50 per month (senior rate $10) and accepted a low bid for the state-mandated litter-control fence; landfill tipping-fee changes and a DLG compactor loan were also noted.
Landfill Director Travis Cooley presented April landfill metrics and recommended changes to tipping fees and the county garbage-collection rate.
Cooley reported April tonnage and described the state's solid-waste requirements that prompted a bid for a new permanent litter-control fence at the landfill. The county solicited bids for roughly 2,400 feet of fence with a minimum recommended height of 12 feet plus a 2-foot "kicker." Two bids were received; the low, local bid from Burton Fencing (reported in the meeting packet as $119,268.79) was recommended and approved by the court.
Commissioners and staff debated workload, equipment costs and service sustainability. Staff explained tipping-fee adjustments would take effect July 1, and the landfill committee recommended increasing the county's monthly garbage collection fee to $13.50 (senior citizens remain at $10). Commissioners discussed comparative charges in surrounding jurisdictions and concerns about the garbage fund running short; several noted the county still charges less than many nearby haulers. After discussion the fiscal court approved the garbage rate increase by roll-call vote.
The court also acknowledged DLG approval for a compactor loan and discussed financing options for landfill capital needs. Commissioners requested additional accounting detail on solid-waste receipts and expenses; staff agreed to provide more detailed monthly expense reports on request.
What happens next: the litter fence contract will proceed with the awarded vendor; tipping and collection-rate changes take effect per the schedule provided in the landfill packet. The court asked staff to return with finer-grained financial data on the garbage fund and equipment timelines.
