Brown County amends solid-waste hauling contract to add DOE-based fuel surcharge

Commissioners approved an update to Brown County’s solid-waste hauling contract that adds a fuel-surcharge formula tied to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Midwest diesel monthly average.

The change clarifies that the base per‑load payment remains the same and that a surcharge will take effect when the monthly national average rises above a set base price. County staff and commissioners agreed on a base point of $3.50 per gallon and on using a formula that subtracts the base from the monthly average, divides by an assumed 5.5 miles per gallon, and multiplies by round‑trip miles to produce a per‑load surcharge. A commissioner summarized the approach: “The base price would be part of the formula” (Commissioner).

Commissioners discussed sample numbers during the meeting: staff reported contractor records showing about 78 gallons used for three daily loads and noted that with a $4.50 average the formula would yield roughly a $0.20–$0.21 per‑gallon surcharge on affected trips. Commissioners said the intent was to ensure subcontractors do not lose money while preserving the county’s procurement terms; the contractor had told staff he was comfortable starting with the $3.50 base.

After clarifying wording (for example, changing “loads” to “full loads” and allowing multiple invoices per month), a motion to approve the amended agreement carried by voice vote. The board initialed the contract adjustment at the meeting so staff could finalize signatures.

What happens next: County staff will incorporate the clarified formula and base price into the final contract document and route it for signatures; the contract language requires staff to reference the DOE monthly average when computing any surcharges going forward.