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Macon County Board approves solid-waste fee increases for FY2023-24 budget
Summary
At a June 26 special meeting, the Macon County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to include increases to transfer and tipping fees recommended by Solid Waste Director Chris Stahl; officials said the changes are expected to generate about $82,750 for the enterprise fund.
The Macon County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 June 26 to include a package of solid-waste fee increases in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget after a presentation from the county’s Solid Waste Director.
Solid Waste Director Chris Stahl told commissioners the proposed changes would raise the Highlands Transfer Station transfer fee from $8.75 to $12.50 per ton for commercial/demolition (C&D) and municipal solid waste (MSW), apply the transfer fee to stumps and brush debris at $20 per ton (described as applying the existing transfer fee rather than creating a new one), and increase the tipping fee for brush piles from $30 per ton to $35 per ton. Stahl said the three adjustments together are estimated to generate $82,750; he told the board that a $3 increase in the residential availability fee would yield a similar amount—about $81,000—if the board preferred that approach.
County Manager Derek Roland framed the discussion by noting that the general fund budget adopted at the board’s June 19 meeting did not include the items Commissioner Shearl had raised regarding the Macon County Landfill, leaving uncertainty about whether the Solid Waste and enterprise fund budget elements had been approved. That prompted the June 26 review and the presentation of the fee options.
Commissioner Shearl questioned the history of the previous Highlands landfill, which closed in 2008 and was converted to a transfer station; Shearl voted against the motion. Commissioner Young moved to include the fee increases in the FY2023-24 budget; Commissioner Shields seconded the motion. Commissioners Paul Higdon, Young, Shields and Antoine voted in favor; Commissioner Shearl voted no.
Board Chair Paul Higdon called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.; with no further business the board adjourned at 10:03 a.m.
The fee increases were adopted as part of the board’s budget action on June 26, 2023; the county did not specify implementation dates or a schedule for public notice in the meeting minutes.
