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Rawlins County allocates remaining ARPA funds toward landfill compactor after KDHE citation
Summary
County commissioners voted to obligate $21,195.92 in remaining ARPA funds toward acquiring a landfill compactor after landfill staff reported inspection results, a KDHE citation related to slope on a pit and revised landfill fees.
Rawlins County commissioners voted Dec. 16 to obligate the remaining $21,195.92 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to the county landfill as staff pursue purchase of a smaller landfill compactor, county records show.
Corey Castens, who reported on the landfill’s equipment and inspections, said the smaller of two compactors inspected “passed” and that a seller quoted $109,000 for the machine with an additional $17,000 for delivery. Commissioners directed Castens to obtain a firm price so the county could finalize a purchase at a future meeting.
Castens also said a Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) inspector issued a written citation and a $3,000 fine related to the slope on trash pit cell No. 6. Assistant County Attorney Charles Peckham was asked to draft the county’s response letter, which Castens said must be filed by Jan. 2, 2025. Castens told commissioners he discussed the slope with the contractor, who disputed the inspector’s description, and Peckham said he would explain the circumstances in the response.
The board received an overview of proposed fee updates for the landfill. Castens reviewed new pricing and said the county will charge $10 for a single door or window when a full-load fee does not apply; commissioners asked that a new resolution be drafted so adjusted rates can take effect at the start of the new year.
Castens said the county is pursuing grant funding for a 2025 tire disposal day allowing farmers to bring a limited number of tires free of charge. He also relayed a complaint from Chris Miller, who called about the tone of emails sent by a contractor identified as Cahoj’s; commissioners said they had no authority to force an apology.
The county clerk, Rachel Finley, confirmed the clerk’s office would re-send a signed copy of a previously approved five-year landfill disposal plan to the county attorney, as requested. The board’s obligation of ARPA funds is intended to support the equipment purchase process but commissioners did not finalize a compactor contract at the Dec. 16 meeting.
The board directed staff to return with firm pricing and contract details at a future meeting. No date was set for finalizing a compactor purchase.
