Public Works committee recommends $345 initial roll-off set and $150 follow-up fee; new front-loader truck ordered

The Public Works meeting on operational services focused on roll-off rental pricing and fleet needs, with staff recommending a higher follow-up fee and reporting on recent truck runs.

Speaker 3 presented a handout outlining recent runs to Smith County and the associated costs and timing, saying a round trip took about 49–52 minutes, consumed roughly 6 gallons of fuel over 34 miles and spent about 12 minutes at the landfill. "We charge them $45 a ton," Speaker 3 said when outlining how tonnage above included amounts is billed.

On fees, the packet listed the initial set as "3.45," which the committee discussed as $345 for the first set that includes up to 2 tons; Speaker 3 said each subsequent load from the same household would be charged $150 plus tonnage. Speaker 3 told the committee the county’s disposal payment is roughly $0.30–$0.37 per ton while charges to customers are higher, and that compacting packed loads reduces trips and cost.

Members asked about differences in hauling Class 1 (regular waste) versus Class 3 (demolition) material and the operational effect of quick turnarounds at the landfill. Speaker 2 moved that the committee recommend the fee structure presented by Speaker 3 (initial set as listed in the packet; subsequent loads $150 plus tonnage); Speaker 1 recorded the motion and the committee voted to forward the recommendation to the full court for approval.

Separately, Speaker 3 reported a front-loader truck has been ordered and should ship from the manufacturer this week; delivery was estimated at about 45 days, with the truck expected in roughly six weeks. The committee said staff had also reviewed roll-off truck options but proceeded with the front-loader order to meet timing needs.

Next steps: the committee will forward the fee recommendation to the full court for formal approval and will proceed with the truck procurement and delivery schedule.