Great Bend Post
Jun 30, 2022

Trash rates increasing at Barton County Landfill

Posted Jun 30, 2022 12:00 PM

By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post

As the cost of living continues to increase, the cost of maintenance is also on the rise for government agencies. To offset some of those increases, the Barton County Commission voted 5-0 Wednesday for a $2 increase for each ton of garbage turned into the Barton County Landfill.

"From time to time, the landfill manager has to look at our rates and determine if our disposal is adequate to cover our costs," said Jennifer Hamby, the county's interim solid waste director. "After a recent review, we are requesting that we increase our rates $2 per ton. Right now, our biggest expense is our maintenance. It has gone up considerably from parts to service calls."

Phil Hathcock, the county's previous solid waste director, suggested the increase to help offset costs prior to accepting another position out of state. The increased fees would help with daily costs, including a recent compactor repair that generated a bill exceeding $380,000.

Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson emphasized the landfill does not use tax dollars and is entirely funded by user-based fees. Commission Jennifer Schartz agreed an increase in fees was the best way to provide more funding.

"I think this commission agrees the fairest way to increase money for them is through user fees," she said. "It will be up to each individual company whether to pass that on to the consumer. But if it's $2 a ton, even if my bill goes up $2, I know I'm not generating a ton of waste. That should be able to get them some additional funds."

The Municipal Solid Waste fee moves from $40 to $42 per ton, and the Construction and Demolition Waste fee increases to $36 per ton. The minimum fee would remain at $10 per ton. The new rates will take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

"If there are any concerns from the citizens out there, don't blame the trash haulers," said Commissioner Kirby Krier. "We're the ones raising the rates."