Cullman City reaffirms contingent guarantee for sanitary landfill closure/post-closure costs

Sam Dillender explained a resolution to reaffirm the city's contingent guarantee for half of the sanitary landfill's closure and post-closure financial obligations. He said the amount on record is about $6.4 million and that reaffirmation of the guarantee is required by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to allow the facility to operate. Dillender added that with the landfill’s expansion and new cells the facility’s calculations have shifted, and annual reaffirmation is expected; the landfill’s on-paper life, with expansion, was stated at roughly 130 years.

Council members clarified this vote is a reaffirmation of a contingent guarantee rather than an appropriation of money; Dillender said no cash changes hands now and the guarantee is intended to ensure closure/post-closure care if the landfill were unable to meet obligations.

The council adopted the resolution by voice vote; staff said the matter will return periodically for reaffirmation as required by ADEM.