Rawlins County approves coal‑shed demolition bid, orders landfill fencing and transfers funds for landfill cell development

Corey Castens updated the board on ongoing landfill and recycling issues, including a recurring problem with trash and livestock near the landfill and an unresolved cardboard pickup issue with a local Casey’s store. Castens said property owners complained about trash being thrown into fields along a half‑mile road north of town and discussed a possible 50% cost‑share on fencing or installing a cattle guard; the board moved forward with cattle‑guard site work pending agreement with the landowner.

Castens also reported operational problems at the landfill: a newly installed well had a breaker that kept tripping and a landfill loader was experiencing a sensor failure and was under repair. Commissioners reviewed sealed bids for the coal‑shed teardown; two bids were received and the board accepted Hurst Hauling’s $9,500 bid and directed payment from the County Building Fund, with Road & Bridge performing needed dirt work.

Financial actions included approval of Resolution 2024‑06 to transfer Oil & Gas funds to the General Fund for Landfill Cell 7 development and a separate decision to transfer $15,000 from the Recycling Fund to the Recycling Equipment Fund to address equipment needs. Commissioners noted the landfill cell construction progress was about 50% complete and that only one scraper was operating, which is delaying progress.

The board’s actions set demolition and repair plans in motion while directing funding transfers to support landfill development and recycling equipment replacement.