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Rawlins County commissioners told KDHE penalty will not change; board approves new landfill rates
Summary
Rawlins County officials discussed a KDHE landfill violations letter and three payment options, with KDHE saying "the penalty would not be changed." The board also approved amended landfill rates effective Feb. 1 and discussed a $99,000 compactor and related upfront hauling costs.
The Rawlins County Board of Commissioners discussed a landfill enforcement letter from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and reviewed financial and operational steps to address violations during the Jan. 13 meeting. KDHE representative Brian Burbeck told the board that "the penalty would not be changed" and outlined three payment options; the county was given until Feb. 3, 2025 to select a method and submit paperwork. The county conducted the discussion by Zoom with KDHE staff after reconvening at 11:00 a.m.
During the same meeting, county staff and landfill manager Corey Castens briefed commissioners on proposed rate changes and capital needs. Commissioners were told a landfill compactor had a listed price of $99,000; staff noted there would be no additional charge to remove the blade or A/C. Officials said hauling and compactor-related bills typically must be paid up front. The board approved Resolution 2025-03 amending Resolution 2023-10 to implement revised landfill rates, which are scheduled to take effect Feb. 1 and will be reflected on bills mailed at the end of February or beginning of March. Castens said rate revenue is earmarked to fund excavation of a future landfill cell.
County Attorney and staff reviewed a landfill financial assurance document and the board approved an engagement letter from Lindburg Vogel Pierce Faris related to landfill matters. The commission’s approvals in this meeting do not itself settle how KDHE’s penalty will be paid; the board must notify KDHE by Feb. 3 about its chosen payment option.
