Henderson County reviews Solid Waste funding options as tipping fees and tonnage rise

County Engineer Marcus Jones told the Board that Henderson County's Solid Waste Enterprise Fund has seen steadily rising annual tonnage (152,998 tons in 2025) and an eroded unrestricted net position, leaving the fund unable to sustain capital replacement and unpredictable repairs without new revenue sources.

Jones and consultant materials reviewed four funding approaches: (1) continue the status quo with larger tipping fee increases (staff noted a $20 rise to $90 per ton in FY2027 would be required in one modeled scenario, a level staff said would be uncompetitive), (2) impose an annual availability fee (illustrated at $45 per parcel) to supplement tipping fees and fund capital and operating needs, (3) impose a larger availability fee (example modeled at $200 per parcel) to shift the funding burden away from per-ton tipping fees, and (4) consider a flow-control ordinance. Consultant SCS Engineers supplied pro forma models showing how an availability fee could stabilize operating results and fund a reserve for capital replacements over a multi-year horizon.

Commissioners discussed equity for customers, potential public perception of a fee added to the tax bill, and competitiveness with neighboring counties. County Manager John Mitchell asked Jones to coordinate a meeting with local haulers to present the same information and solicit operational input. The Board did not vote on a specific funding option and instead directed staff to continue outreach and modeling work before returning with recommendations.