Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solid Waste topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Solid Waste staff propose $40/ton commercial hauler fee to help close $1M deficit
Summary
Solid Waste staff recommended adopting a $40/ton commercial hauler fee (projected to generate about $700,000 annually) and asked commissioners to adopt a clear definition of 'commercial' before publishing the change.
Solid Waste staff asked Jefferson County commissioners to consider a new fee structure that would charge commercial haulers for landfill disposal to reduce pressure on the county's household‑user revenues.
Solid Waste recommended staying at a $40 per ton fee; the department said that rate would generate in the neighborhood of $700,000 a year and give the operation breathing room ahead of the next budget cycle. "I would recommend we stay at the $40 a ton," Solid Waste staff said during the meeting.
Staff and commissioners discussed how to distinguish commercial haulers from farm or residential visits (for example, a farmer bringing a single pickup load versus a contractor bringing 12–15 tons in a large truck); staff said typical commercial truckloads run 12–15 tons, which at $40/ton would equal roughly $480–$600 per truck. Commissioners asked staff to draft a clear definition of "commercial" and to publish the proposed fee change in advance of budget hearings so public comment can be collected.
Solid Waste staff also reported progress on DEQ items (submitted item #9) and noted they are recruiting a part‑time weekend worker to cover Friday/Saturday hours. The commissioners asked staff to produce a draft ordinance/publication for the next budget cycle so the board can consider adoption before finalizing the county budget.
