Washington County officials approve $36,000 leachate-hauling claim, discuss line repairs and new security cameras

Washington County officials approved payments for routine claims and spent much of the meeting discussing a clogged leachate line that has driven hauling costs higher.

The board voted to accept claims that included a $36,000 charge for two months of leachate hauling by Chris Lawson covering March and April. Chair (identified in the transcript only by role) announced the line item total during the claims review.

Director Controller Tammy told the board that "other than the repairs to the leachate line, that's mainly all we've been concerned about," and that the hauling company "hauls throughout the year" when pumps fail or during heavy rain. Tammy said she may need additional funds "for the repairs" once the total bill is known.

Officials described the recent clog as located by digging in several spots to find where the line was obstructed, followed by jetting to clear it. Participants said the pipes are PVC and that crews will GPS the line routing to avoid future search-and-repair work. One participant noted replacing the line with a larger diameter could help, but Tammy and others emphasized pump capacity and maintenance are key drivers of whether hauling is needed.

Tammy also reported Northside Security cameras were installed to cover the new pump station and a newly constructed landfill cell; she said that job is completed and that camera costs had been included earlier in the year.

Board members discussed budget implications but did not set a separate appropriation at the meeting. Tammy said she is monitoring costs and will know more about repair expenses next month. The claims motion passed by voice/hand vote after a motion and second; the record shows the board approved the claims unanimously.

The meeting closed after a motion to adjourn. No members of the public were present for public comment.