Board approves $90,545 loan to repair landfill compactor; landfill expansion study remains incomplete

The Vernon County Board approved a non-revolving general-fund loan of $90,545.09 at 4% to the Solid Waste Department to rebuild a compactor engine after Waste Management Director Stacie Sanborn reported the engine "is a total loss." The request was filed as Resolution 2025-58 as an emergency late item after staff discovered the failure and confirmed repair costs.

Supervisor Jacobson explained the short notice for the resolution, saying the department only recently identified the issue and cost. Some supervisors asked whether the request should have been reviewed by the Finance Committee first; Administrative Coordinator Hannan said that because of timing the request was directed to the full board. The board amended the loan resolution to include repayment from proceeds of asset liquidation if necessary; the resolution passed on a voice vote, with "most voting in favor, but some nays are heard," according to the minutes.

Sanborn also briefed the board on the status of the landfill expansion feasibility study, noting staff are waiting for a consultant to provide missing data and a final addendum. She said projections have been based on roughly 15,000 tons and that the county plans to raise the tipping fee to $65 per ton in 2026. "The newest compactor engine is a total loss," Sanborn told the board, explaining the need for immediate repair funding. The board directed staff to continue work with the consultant and to report further details on tonnage and host-town negotiations at future meetings.