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Park County Solid Waste Board weighs landfill feasibility, endorses Green Box outreach and approves two assessment abatements
Summary
The Park County Solid Waste Board discussed long-term options including a local landfill and Green Box site improvements, heard public suggestions for a reuse exchange, and approved two property refuse-assessment abatements; staff also reported a $63,000 grant held for related work.
The Park County Solid Waste Board on Jan. 18 discussed whether to pursue a local landfill and how to manage an upgrade and public‑outreach plan for Green Box collection sites, while voting to rebate or remove refuse assessments on two properties.
Board members and staff examined preliminary economics and legal hurdles for a landfill. “I've got a sheet that gives you just the cost of a kind of medium‑sized landfill… it's 14 to $16,000,000,” said Matt Whitman, public works staff, describing heavy up‑front costs for environmental review, drilling, liners and equipment. Whitman and other members flagged potential community opposition at some county properties and said financing and litigation risk would be significant obstacles.
Why it matters: a local landfill could reduce hauling costs but requires large capital outlays and permits; the board emphasized outreach and feasibility work before pursuing any site. Chair (speaker 2) pointed to planning‑department outreach guidance as a starting point for community engagement if the board recommends Green Box site improvements.
Public comment and reuse ideas: Sabina Strauss, a resident, told the board many usable items—“brand new clothing, brand new exercise equipment, and furniture that's hardly used”—currently go to county collection sites and suggested partnering with nonprofits to divert those goods to people who can use them. Staff noted state law prevents county staff or operators from salvaging items from refuse at the sites; the board discussed encouraging outside organizations and neighborhood collection options instead.
Grant and hazardous‑waste pilot: Board members reported a $63,000 federal grant set aside for related work; the memorandum of understanding for handling that money is pending signature by a fiscal sponsor or the conservation district, but officials said the funds remain allocated. Whitman also described a pilot to place marked bear‑spray disposal containers at Green Box sites to reduce risk to attendants.
Votes at a glance: The board approved (1) a rebate and removal of the assessment for 408 Park Street after staff reported the building was not habitable, and (2) an abatement request for a Roche Road parcel owned by Patrick Gilligan because that parcel lacks a dwelling; staff said other contiguous parcels owned by the same owner will be reassessed as appropriate. Motions were moved and seconded on the floor and carried by voice vote.
What happens next: The board asked staff to use the planning department's outreach memorandum as a guide for public meetings and to return with recommendations. Staff said feasibility work, consultant costs and public engagement steps would be needed before taking any landfill or major Green Box redesign proposals to the commissioners.
