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Brooks County court reviews landfill budget, considers fee changes to close shortfall
Summary
Commissioners discussed that $225,000 is used annually from the General Fund and Fund 31 to operate the county landfill, that current fee revenue is about $75,000, and explored options — including bin fees, weight-based charges, truck purchase or contracting — to reduce the county subsidy.
Brooks County Judge Eric Ramos told the Commissioners Court during a March 12 special meeting that “$225,000 is used to run the Landfill out of the General Fund and Fund 31,” and framed a workshop to consider how to reduce county subsidies for landfill operations.
The court heard staff and commissioners discuss several revenue and service options. Judge Ramos said the county currently collects about $75,000 in fees and asked whether the court wanted to move to a bin-based fee structure. Commissioners debated separating rates for individuals, commercial haulers, government and nonprofits and whether fee increases would cover the county’s shortfall. Ramos said an increase “would cover the expenditure from the General Fund but not both supplements.” No formal fee or ordinance was adopted at the meeting.
Members discussed enforcement of commercial collection rates and late fees, whether to charge by weight using a scale, and how rural route distances add to per-trip costs. The court also heard that the county leases a trash truck for $5,200 per month and is weighing whether to buy a truck with the needed attachments or explore private contracting. The meeting adjourned without a final decision; commissioners asked staff to return with options and cost estimates for further consideration.
