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Resident urges third‑party review of landfill expansion budget as board listens
Summary
A local resident urged the board to delay plans for a landfill expansion and commission an independent review, saying the project's projections (23,000 tons of tipping fees) exceed current volumes and do not account for debt service.
During public comment at the Vernon County Board of Supervisors meeting, resident Tom Lukens urged the board to commission an independent review of the county landfill expansion budget, arguing project revenue assumptions and debt‑service costs were not adequately considered.
"The landfill expansion budget doesn't even account for debt service," Lukens said, noting the plan assumes 23,000 tons of tipping fees while current operations are closer to 10,000 tons. He recommended an objective third‑party review and suggested exploring alternatives such as a transfer station to avoid long‑term borrowing and liabilities.
Lukens also said recent market shifts—specifically Republic's acquisition of Town & Country—mean there is now competition (GFL and Republic) and therefore alternative service models that the county should consider. He urged supervisors to examine the budget assumptions and consider the fiscal risks before pursuing long‑term commitments.
Chair acknowledged Lukens' comments during the public‑comment period; no board action on the landfill topic was recorded in this meeting. The exchange provides a public record of concerns that county staff and supervisors may use to inform future budget reviews or to request an independent financial feasibility study.
