Lake County votes to close Fort Rock and Silver Lake transfer sites, citing $26,000 annual savings

The Lake County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 5 to close the Fort Rock and Silver Lake trash transfer sites effective April 2025, saying the locations are lightly used and costly to operate.

Facilities and Properties Manager David Berman told the board closing the two sites would save the county about $26,000 per year and would reduce the need for staff to work Sundays; staff coverage at the Christmas Valley transfer site would be maintained on Wednesdays. "Closing the transfer sites would relieve staff from needing to work every Sunday," Berman said during the meeting.

Vice‑Chair Barry Shullanberger moved to close the sites and Commissioner James Williams seconded; the motion carried with three ayes. The board recorded no recorded dissent at the meeting.

Public reaction in prior outreach and informal conversations in Fort Rock and Silver Lake was described as "mostly positive," Commissioner Williams told colleagues, noting residents "understood the issue and appreciated the conversation." The county said it may require monitored drop‑off days at alternate locations to prevent improper dumping.

The decision does not detail disposal alternatives for specific materials such as construction debris; Facilities and Properties Manager David Berman said any temporary site would need monitoring to prevent household‑waste or building‑debris dumping. The board did not adopt a related ordinance or fee change at the Feb. 5 meeting; the action was a formal motion to close the two transfer sites and implement staffing changes.

Next steps: the closure is scheduled to take effect in April 2025; the county has not yet published a public notice with operational details or a schedule of monitored drop‑off dates for affected residents.