Customer Convenience Center manager urges fee review after surge in volume; proposes equipment upgrades

Tim Meeker, manager of the county’s customer convenience center and landfill operations, briefed supervisors on a surge in inbound materials and the fiscal implications for tipping fees and hauling costs.

Tim presented data showing unusually high tonnage related to recent hailstorms and roof replacements. He said some line items (white goods, demolition fees) exceeded prior projections and that hauling and trucking expenses rose sharply. Tim described a cost‑analysis packet that separated hauling costs, tipping fees, and revenues and showed the operation is not yet self‑sustaining at current fee levels.

To close the gap, Tim proposed examining two pricing levers: raising the minimum per‑visit fee (currently $15) and/or changing the per‑ton price; he provided worked examples showing how a $20 minimum or adjusted per‑ton charge would affect revenue. Supervisors asked Tim to return with a formal recommendation and comparative fee benchmarks from neighboring counties.

Tim also requested two capital items: a $109,000 skid loader with grapple and attachments to improve handling and a roll‑off tarp system to reduce worker exposure and time spent manually tarping loads. He said the tarp system would speed processing and reduce risk of on‑the‑job injuries. Supervisors asked staff to coordinate with finance to confirm revenue postings and to bring a formal fee and capital proposal back to the board.