Council reviews MOU to form regional working group on landfill governance; MOU does not authorize expansion

City staff asked the Marion City Council to consider a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would establish a regional working group to research governance options, diversion strategies and best practices for the region's solid waste agency.

Staff traced the issue to a 2006 settlement agreement that set an 1,800‑foot setback for the landfill and said the region’s recent natural disasters have accelerated landfill capacity concerns. Staff emphasized repeatedly that the MOU "does not authorize the expansion" of the landfill; rather, it would form a working group, appointed if the MOU is approved by partner entities, to examine national best practices, governing structures, diversion metrics and milestones.

The MOU identifies a target date of Feb. 27 for the working group’s initial recommendations to the participating entities if all partners approve the MOU and the working group is formed. Staff noted the current agency board is composed of three entities (Cedar Rapids, Linn County and Marion) and said a more representative governing board could spread responsibility and provide more robust planning. Staff also warned that if the landfill were to close the region could require transfer stations with higher costs for residents.

Council members discussed likely timelines, the scope of the working group's mandate and the need for broader regional representation. Several council members expressed support for the MOU as a regional approach to a complex problem; staff said any future expansion would require subsequent approvals and that the MOU simply creates a path to study options and return recommendations.