Commissioners weigh temporary fuel surcharge at Brown County landfill

Brown County commissioners discussed a possible temporary fuel surcharge on landfill customers as diesel prices push hauler costs higher, and asked staff to return with recent tonnage and billing data to shape a time‑limited proposal.

Chair (S3) opened Item 3, the “solid waste fuel surcharge,” saying the county’s aim was not to profit but to recover added hauling costs. Commissioner (S1) noted that the county’s hauler had a contract surcharge triggered when diesel exceeded $3.50 per gallon and observed, “There was a fuel surcharge that that was triggered at when diesel goes over $3.50 a gallon. We're obviously over that.”

Discussion focused on how to calculate any surcharge: per load (what the contract charges) versus per ton, and whether the county could implement flexible, short-term windows. Commissioners and legal counsel (S2) agreed a short trial period would provide needed predictability; one idea raised repeatedly was testing a surcharge for 90 days to average out volatility rather than changing rates month to month.

Commissioners asked staff to obtain the hauler’s tonnage and invoicing reports (Brandon) for the most recent months so the board could model the financial impact. Chair (S3) framed the commission’s intent as recovering additional costs, not adding revenue: “The county is not looking to make additional money on [a] fuel surcharge. We're looking just to cover our additional [costs].”

No formal ordinance or rate was adopted at the meeting. The commission directed staff to compile recent tonnage and billing data, draft a short-term surcharge proposal (with suggested duration and mechanics), and return with calculations for the board to consider at a future meeting.