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Lincoln County faces $315,000 shortfall in solid-waste budget; commissioners weigh fees and collections
Summary
County staff told commissioners the proposed 2025–26 solid-waste budget shows roughly a $315,000 deficit and lacks funds for equipment replacement or added staff; options discussed included an annual 3% refuse assessment increase, an uncovered-load fee at the landfill and pursuing interest or collections on about $33,000 in past-due bills.
County solid-waste staff told the Board of Commissioners on May 7 that the department's proposed 2025–26 budget is facing a significant shortfall roughly equal to $315,000 and lacks allocations for equipment replacement and additional staff.
"Our proposed budget for 25-26 is about $315,000 in the red," the staff member said, explaining that the figure does not include allocated costs and would not support equipment-replacement contributions. Staff described plans to purchase equipment to operate green-box sites and said one of two budgeted trailers has arrived while trucks ordered may arrive in July.
To address the deficit, staff presented options including charging an ''uncovered load'' fee for vehicles that bring unsecured loads to the landfill, instituting a modest annual refuse assessment adjustment (a 3% example over five years was presented), and exploring whether the county can lawfully charge interest on past-due landfill invoices. "We currently have about $33,000 of unpaid landfill bills," the staff member said, and commissioners asked the county attorney and treasurer to verify legal authority and collection options.
Commissioners also discussed operational challenges: increased truck traffic is damaging approach roads to the landfill and staff encouraged commissioners to tour the facility to see current conditions. On recycling sites, staff said a permanent location for the cardboard-recycling trailer has not yet been found.
The board requested staff return with legal guidance on charging interest or other collection mechanisms and to refine any draft resolution language before the county formally adopts a new fee schedule.
