Tri-county landfill talks put future tipping-fee increases on Baker County radar

Commissioner Mobley updated the Baker County Board on recent New River Solid Waste board discussions that could affect county disposal costs over the next decade.

"Right now, that tipping fee is $30 a ton," Mobley said, referring to the current arrangement under the Tri-County contract covering Baker, Bradford and Union counties. He told the board the existing contract with Alachua County is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2028, and Tri-County negotiators are pressing to set a new rate now for 2029 to avoid large immediate spikes in cost.

Mobley said a proposed new tonnage rate of $47 per ton was on the Tri-County board's radar. Commissioners noted that if the counties did not secure a favorable renewal, disposal options could include hauling to more distant facilities in neighboring states, which could change the cost calculus once transportation is included.

Mobley also said regional recycling service suffered after a contractor acquisition, leaving the three counties paying higher fees without reliable service; the Tri-County arrangement was paused pending new bids.

Commissioners discussed the long-term planning implications: the landfill operator is also planning future phases (phase 2 was mentioned as roughly 152 acres), and board members urged exploring alternatives, including nearby Georgia sites or Putnam County, as part of contract negotiations.

Next steps: commissioners said they will continue negotiating with New River, seek comparative tipping-fee data (including Georgia rates), and aim to have decisions and formal notices in advance of the 2028 contract expiration.

No formal vote or contract change was recorded at this meeting; the board received the report and asked staff to continue tracking negotiations.