Robertson County raises solid-waste fees after contract cost jump

The Robertson County Commission voted on May 18 to approve a new five‑year solid‑waste contract and raise several disposal fees after the county’s vendor increased costs by about 38 percent.

Commissioner Randy Wilson, chair of the solid waste committee, presented Resolution 051826048 and told commissioners the contract renewal required fee adjustments to keep county convenience centers and services funded. "The solid waste disposal fee for the county waste facility will increase from 60 per ton to 85 per ton," Wilson said, adding that out‑of‑county fees will increase from $75 per ton to $100 per ton, brush fees from $40 to $50 per ton, and power fees from $1.35 to $1.50 per ton.

Wilson said the county moves roughly $300,000 a month of trash out of the county and that the increase in contractor costs required a near‑term change. Commissioners asked about enforcement and whether higher out‑of‑county rates might encourage more nonresident loads; one commissioner noted ongoing checks of vehicle tags at convenience centers. "If they don't have a Robertson County tag on their vehicle, what do you do, ma'am?" the chair asked. A staff member replied that wheel‑tax checks are performed monthly.

The commission approved the resolution by voice vote; the chair reported the tally as 13–4–0.

The resolution takes effect immediately under the terms presented at the meeting. Commissioners said the new contract locks rates for the next year and will limit the need for annual returns for fee resets, though enforcement at convenience centers and monitoring of out‑of‑county loads remains a local operational responsibility.