County renews solid waste hauler contract
County looks at options
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission renewed a hauling contract with Robinson Trucking of Florence for 2008 to transport county solid waste to a landfill.
County transfer station manager Rollin Schmidt presented information to the commission Monday regarding the county hauling its own trash to a closer landfill.
It was determined that hauling trash to Salina at 140 miles round trip would result in approximately 361 trips per year for a total of 56,000 miles per year. A semi tractor, if purchased new, could last as long as seven years.
"We're (county road and bridge department) driving dump trucks for more than 500,000 miles," commission chairman Randy Dallke said.
Commissioner Dan Holub said if county recycling was implemented, mileage could be cut even more.
"We're looking at spending $300,000 next year to get rid of trash," Holub said. The county has $540,000 budgeted for solid waste.
It was noted that by the time the bond for the transfer station is paid, more funds may be needed to operate.
The commission instructed Schmidt to get solid numbers from area landfills which should include the length (years) of the contract. Commissioner Bob Hein will accompany Schmidt in making those contacts and negotiating tipping fees.
It was noted that the Saline County landfill charges $29 per ton tipping fee and Harper County charges $30-31.
The contract with Robinson Trucking can be canceled within 60 days. Schmidt said he wanted to work with Robinson regardless of what the county decides.
In other department business:
— Following a five-minute executive session for personnel between Schmidt and the commission, the commission approved a week of weed spraying training for noxious weed department employee Linda Brewer.
— Schmidt reported 7,431 tons of household solid waste so far this year with 578 tons in November. There were 29 trips in November to the landfill and 366 so far this year. The cost now is $38.58 per ton.
There has been more solid waste in 2007 than in the past three years.
