Committee backs quarry operator's request to exceed 100,000-ton annual cap

Adams County's Highway Committee voted to support a request from the operator of Seven Sisters Quarry to exceed the 100,000-ton annual crushing cap in the county's lease agreement with Milestone Materials.

Highway staff explained the county owns Seven Sisters Quarry and leases operations to Milestone Materials under an agreement that sets a 100,000-ton yearly limit. Staff said the cap exists in the lease, that the county receives royalties on tonnage sold and that any request to exceed the limit requires written county approval under the contract terms.

Committee members raised procedural questions about whether approval should come from the county board or the county administrator given the 2003 contract language; legal counsel and staff noted the contract historically required board approval but acknowledged administrative practices have evolved. Members also discussed the quarry's remaining productive lifespan (staff estimated roughly 20-plus years, subject to sales rates) and noted the quarry sells material beyond Adams County boundaries.

A motion to approve allowing the operator to exceed the 100,000-ton limit was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff said the committee's approval triggers whatever county-level approval process the contract requires and that further review by legal counsel or the full county board may follow, depending on the contract interpretation.