Public Works Administrator Jeremy Myers presented a proposed three‑year contract with Hams to operate Geary County’s transfer station and asked the commission to accept the contract in its form and authorize him to sign.

Myers said the new contract adds a provision for damage to Hams trailers caused by lithium‑ion battery fires or other hazardous materials. "We did agree on a 50/50 split on that with a cap of a $180,000 per year," he said, noting the county’s portion would be about $67,000 if a trailer burned completely. He told the commission the change followed discussions with county insurance, which offered no coverage for that liability as presented.

Myers also outlined proposed rate changes tied to rising operating costs. He said the county currently pays roughly $62.47 per load under parts of the existing schedule, and the new contract and CPI adjustments would require higher tipping fees. "We're looking at possibly a 19% increase to $76 per ton," Myers said, adding that the county must balance the fee‑fund requirement that the transfer station be self‑sustaining.

Using a 45,000‑ton estimate for 2026, Myers projected Hams‑related expenses of about $2,951,550 and total net revenue near $3,420,000 under the proposed rates; he cautioned that those figures would not cover employee wages, benefits or unexpected repairs without further adjustments.

Tammy Robinson, finance director, reminded the commission the enterprise is a fee fund and cannot draw on general, reserve or capital funds; she said higher rates may push some customers elsewhere but that losing customers would also lower expense. Robinson and Myers said they would balance the schedule so the facility remains solvent.

The commission moved, seconded and voted to accept the contract in form and authorize the public‑works administrator to sign. The minutes show the motion carried after the chair called for the ayes; no recorded roll‑call tally of individual yes/no votes appears in the transcript.

The county will bring back a draft resolution and the finalized contract for signature; Myers said some Hams assets were being sold but operations were expected to continue under the purchaser.