LaPorte County Solid Waste Board approves $365,000 cleanup contract, authorizes loan talks

The LaPorte County Solid Waste District Board voted Feb. 18 to award a $365,000 contract to Homer Tree Service to clean up the county compost site and authorized staff to pursue financing to pay for the work.

Clay Turner told the board both top proposals met the district’s requirements but that the bids differed sharply in price: Homer Tree Service quoted $365,000 while a second bidder quoted $844,000. "So it would be my recommendation that you go with Homer Tree Service," Turner said.

Board members asked how Homer could offer a much lower price. Turner and others said both vendors agreed they would remove all woody debris and refuse except concrete, steel and other junk; speakers also noted Homer has performed similar work for local facilities. A board member moved to approve the Homer contract; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor.

Board members then discussed how to pay for the project. Turner said the next step was to obtain a loan to cover the cleanup cost and asked for authority to negotiate financing and bring terms back to the board. His proposal included adding the $365,000 to the district’s existing borrowing and keeping repayment within an eight-year window. "The resolution says not to exceed 8 years, so we hope to get it paid off within 8 years," Turner said.

The board approved a motion to hold a special meeting to review loan proposals and to authorize the executive director to negotiate loan terms and return to the board for final approval.

Board members also discussed scheduling and operations during the cleanup. The contractor estimated the work could take about 30 days; staff said the site would remain open during work, with a different entrance and suggested signage to manage traffic.

Next steps: staff will negotiate loan terms, return to the board with proposed financing and finalize a contract with Homer Tree Service before work begins.