Board hears $20–$25M transfer station estimate; staff outlines bonding and TRT options

Heber presented the master-plan recommendation for a new transfer station, saying projected peak daily tonnage could grow substantially and the district will require a facility significantly larger than existing sites. "Future growth and services will require a facility that exceeds about 26,000 square feet," he said, citing the 25-year facility plan prepared by Forsgren Associates.

Heber said the master plan estimates costs between roughly $20 million and $25 million depending on final scope, and proposed a timeline that would put bidding in 2027, design in 2028 and construction in 2029 with potential completion across 2029–30. He estimated that a $25 million revenue bond at 4% would generate approximately $1.8 million in annual debt service. To preserve an adequate fund balance staff proposed three funding approaches: redirecting the county debt repayment (about $500–$600K annually) if forgiven; diverting $1.1 million from TRT tourism-related funds (roughly 11% of forecast TRT receipts in the near term); or increasing commercial and residential fees — the latter option was discouraged by staff because of competitiveness and subsidy differences elsewhere.

Board members raised permitting concerns for the airport-adjacent site and asked whether FAA review had been completed; Heber said the master-plan team did not identify a conflict but that formal FAA determination will occur at the permit stage. A board member also asked if the project could be phased to spread costs over time; Heber said phasing is likely feasible but would require detailed phasing plans. The board asked staff to continue refining funding options and return with more analysis ahead of the tentative budget presentation.