County reports $85.4M in solid‑waste reserves; $42M earmarked for waste‑to‑energy expansion

During the budget presentation, Amy Farrell detailed the county's reserve structure and enterprise balances. "So currently, we have roughly $85,400,000 in reserves for solid waste," she said, adding that $42,000,000 of that is planned for the waste‑to‑energy expansion project and that the county expects approximately $17,000,000 in FEMA reimbursements for storm costs.

Farrell cautioned that FEMA reimbursements are received after initial expenditures, meaning reserves must cover costs upfront and could be temporarily reduced by a major storm event before reimbursement. She summarized that the expected post‑reimbursement balance would be about $60,400,000 but noted the county would still need to front funds pending federal payments.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about how reserves are held and what would happen to capital projects if funding sources change; Farrell said capital funds are typically spent rather than held and that held capital funds are for cash‑flowing projects.