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Kanosh resident proposes town‑run brush pile with household surcharge; council asks questions
Summary
A resident presented a plan for a fenced brush‑pile at the north end of Kanosh with a paid gatekeeper and a $15 per‑household fee to fund operations; council members raised questions about fencing, enforcement, county property ownership and whether the town should compete with private providers.
A resident proposed that Kanosh run a town‑managed brush pile at the north end of town from April 1 through Oct. 31, staffed by a part‑time gatekeeper and financed by a per‑household fee. The presenter said the plan anticipates a $16 hourly gatekeeper working 24 hours weekly (Thursday–Saturday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.), twice‑monthly hauling to Fillmore, and restrictions on accepted materials to brush only. She estimated first‑year revenues of approximately $28,560 on a seven‑month operation and projected expenditures that would leave a modest surplus at $15 per household, with the town to reassess fees after one year.
The proposal prompted immediate questions about start‑up and ongoing costs. Council members asked whether existing fencing could be reused, whether a camera would be installed and how the town would prevent after‑hours dumping. The presenter said she had not factored camera costs into the estimate and expected town crews could help erect fencing if it was available.
Council and staff also raised practical and policy issues. Several members emphasized past experience with roll‑off containers filling quickly and noted the county operates the existing transfer station; one council member warned that a Holt or private roll‑off placed at the town site could create liability, and county property ownership would influence any plan. Others said a strong case exists for a private operator rather than the town directly running a business that would compete with local providers already offering mulch, chipping and drop‑off services.
Gail (a local private operator) and Mike Holt (hauler) were referenced during discussion as existing alternatives; officials noted persistent illegal dumping at private sites despite cameras and warning letters. No formal motion was made to adopt the town‑run plan; councilmembers agreed to continue the conversation and follow up with county and vendor representatives before taking administrative or legislative action.
The council said it would revisit the proposal during the regular council meeting and encouraged staff to collect more accurate counts and cost estimates before any vote.
