Lincoln County weighs $315,000 solid-waste budget, uncovered-load fee and collections on $33,000 in unpaid bills

County staff told the Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners the proposed solid-waste budget for 2025–26 is about $315,000, a figure that omits allocated costs and does not fund an equipment-replacement reserve or additional staffing.

The budget presentation noted one of two ordered trailers has arrived and that replacement trucks are expected in July; staff said the equipment purchases are timed to support taking over green-box sites but will not cover equipment replacement or new hires. A Health Department representative told commissioners the current plan would leave the county "about 30 years out from the next expansion" after completing the current cell work.

The same staff member raised two revenue options under consideration: an uncovered-load fee for vehicles that arrive with unsecured loads that litter county roads, and charging interest on past-due landfill invoices. "We currently have about $33,000 of unpaid landfill bills," the Health Department representative said, and asked legal staff to confirm whether the county may legally add interest or a percentage-based late fee before the resolution is drafted.

Commissioners discussed examples from other counties and asked staff to research the legal basis used elsewhere (one commissioner noted a county that charges 1.5% per month on past-due invoices). Staff also described a proposal to smooth future rate changes by applying an annual refuse-assessment adjustment rather than large jumps every decade — staff illustrated a 3% annual increase over the next five years.

What happened next: staff will research statutory limits and collection options, have county attorneys review proposed language and return a draft resolution for public comment and formal action.

Ending: The board did not adopt new solid-waste fees at the meeting; staff were directed to return with legally vetted language for a draft resolution and public comment.