Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gilpin County narrows free trash tokens from 5 to 2 cubic yards to reduce program cost
Summary
County manager presented data showing the free token program cost the county roughly $141,240 in the prior year; the board incorporated a change in the 2026 budget to reduce token allowance from 5 to 2 cubic yards, projected to lower county cost by about $72,360.
Gilpin County managers and commissioners discussed changes to the county’s free trash token program as part of the 2026 budget.
County manager Ray Reers told the board the program is intended to support neighborhood cleanup and provide equitable waste services; however, he said usage and hauling costs mean the county subsidizes the program. Using 2025 program activity, staff said the average volume collected per token was 4.1 cubic yards and that if the allowance remains at 5 cubic yards the county cost at current usage levels would be approximately $141,240. Reducing the token allowance to 2 cubic yards, with the same usage assumptions and a $40 over‑limit fee, would reduce the county cost to about $68,880 — a projected savings of $72,360.
Manager Reers and commissioners discussed program awareness, the unique nature of Gilpin’s token benefit in the region, and the county’s goal of moving the solid waste enterprise toward long‑term sustainability (staff projected 25 active grants totaling $5.66 million across county departments but said the solid waste fund still requires general‑fund support). The board placed the 2‑cubic‑yard token level in the adopted 2026 budget; staff will publicize the change and continue monitoring program usage.
