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Public works staff recommends signing Waukesha County recycling IGA despite concerns about cost language and transparency; committee votes to recommend council
Summary
Staff briefed the committee on changes in the county recycling agreement after the May 2023 MERF fire and Waste Management’s role; staff urged signing the updated IGA to preserve dividend eligibility while urging more transparency and a subcommittee, and the committee voted to recommend council approval (many Ayes, one No).
Public works staff recommended the committee forward an updated intergovernmental agreement with Waukesha County on recycling to the city council, despite expressing disappointment that the county refused to restore language that would guarantee coverage for additional processing costs.
Staff reviewed the background: Waukesha County has been the responsible unit for recycling since 1990 and processed materials at a joint MERF facility until a fire in May 2023 gutted that plant. The county contracted Waste Management in Germantown to process recyclables, and asked member communities to sign an updated IGA referencing the new processor.
Key concerns raised by staff included the county’s removal of prior IGA language that would have required the county to cover additional costs if recycling needed to be taken to alternate facilities, and the county’s retained unilateral control over its working-capital floor and ceiling, which staff said can trigger tipping fees if balances fall below the floor or dividends if funds exceed the ceiling. Staff cited a working-capital range figure and said the county can change those limits without consulting member communities.
Staff asked for three main protections: a subcommittee to review any future changes to the county’s floor/ceiling, more input and timely access to the county’s recycling education materials so the city can coordinate outreach, and clearer budget transparency. The county declined to add contractual language on those items, staff said. "If we don't sign the IGA, we would not qualify for any dividends if they ever come about again," the staff member said, arguing signing preserves the city’s eligibility for potential future credits.
The committee moved to recommend council approval of the IGA; the transcript records a large number of ‘Aye’ responses and one recorded ‘No.’
Next steps: The committee’s recommendation will go to the city council at its next meeting for final action.
