Dickinson County to seek RFPs for solid-waste services as commissioners weigh running operations

Dickinson County commissioners agreed to send a request for proposals to local and regional haulers to get updated pricing and options for solid-waste services, while continuing to explore whether the county should scale up in-house handling of household waste, hazardous materials and construction debris. Commissioners and staff said the RFP will let them compare contractor proposals and better understand whether rising tipping fees will compel the county to operate more services directly.

Speakers at the meeting stressed that the county needs numbers before deciding whether to contract or to invest in equipment and staff. One commissioner summarized the decision point: "If we can get the RFP out and see what kind of a response that we get, that gives us a better idea how quickly we can move forward," the commissioner said. Participants repeatedly noted that some haulers had not responded to outreach and that an abrupt jump in landfill tipping fees (speakers discussed recent quotes in the $75–$120-per-ton range) could force an early decision.

Discussion covered practical trade-offs. Commissioners and staff described startup and capital needs for an in-house approach (staffing, trailers and compaction equipment, and building modifications such as a ramp for top-loading trailers), and said any county-operated option would be funded primarily through fees assessed on waste—rather than a property-tax increase. Staff cautioned county leaders that converting operations to an in-house model requires up-front capital and time to train employees and secure permits; one participant noted the county would also need to give commercial haulers and residents advance notice if gate/tipping fees change.

The board directed staff to finalize and send the RFP, pursue follow-up with existing contractors to explore short extensions where possible, and return with proposal responses and updated cost estimates for commissioner review. No binding procurement contract or policy change was announced at the meeting.