Rawlins County approves purchase of landfill compactor, delays dumping-rate decision with Atwood

Rawlins County commissioners on Dec. 31 approved buying an 826 G landfill compactor for $99,000 with roughly $14,000 in estimated shipping costs and authorized use of ARPA and Equipment Reserve Funds for any additional equipment-preparation expenses.

Corey Castens, landfill manager, told commissioners the compactor price was negotiated down to $99,000 but that the machine may need its rear blade and roof air-conditioning unit removed to ship; he said shipping was estimated at $14,000 and that removal could incur further costs. Commissioners approved the purchase with those conditions by motion (mover: Commissioner Mark Mosley; seconder: Commissioner Alan A. Solko). The motion carried.

Castens also reported that Bernie from Miller and Associates identified a list of remaining items that must be corrected before the landfill project is considered finished. Commissioners discussed proposed dumping rates and how fees should differentiate contractors from residents, and they emphasized providing 30 days’ public notice before any fee changes take effect.

The City of Atwood asked the county to delay approving dumping rates until county and city officials can meet jointly. The commission agreed to hold off on finalizing rates and asked that the resolution be reviewed by either the current county attorney or the incoming county attorney before any adoption.

Commissioners and Castens discussed installing a vehicle scale (a 60-foot by 11-foot unit was under consideration at an estimated $20,000–$22,000 plus freight), adding camera and microphone equipment, arranging power and concrete work, and budgeting for annual certification. Castens proposed configuring scale billing similarly to local grain elevators.

Castens also reminded the board of a follow-up meeting with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment scheduled to occur after the Jan. 13, 2025 commissioners’ meeting at 11:00 a.m. in the Rawlins County courtroom. The board’s action on the compactor purchase and its decision to delay rate adoption are the most recent developments; the county will address outstanding Miller and Associates items and the rate resolution before taking further action.