Chambers County approves budget reallocations to finish landfill cell expansion and access road

Chambers County Commissioners Court voted June 9 to reallocate funds to complete the county landfill cell expansion and associated access road after staff reported costs exceeded original estimates.

County staff said additional cover sand and higher than expected contractor bids increased project costs. Sam told commissioners the county had hoped to use in‑house resources or a lower bid, but those options proved costly. He described the project as challenging and said the county has temporarily had to shut the landfill multiple times because of the problems.

Sam said the court could use up to $440,000 from an available certificate of obligation fund to address shortfalls and to move the access road work forward. The court approved a motion to proceed pending legal review; motions were seconded and carried by voice vote.

Officials discussed timing and the operational impact; staff noted the landfill has been shut multiple times recently and emphasized the need to expedite contractor selection so work could proceed. Commissioners requested legal review before final use of fund balance and directed staff to return with any required procurement steps or vendor recommendations.

The court’s approval allows staff to continue bidding and to make short‑term funding commitments to avoid further interruptions of landfill service.