Solid waste budget shows enterprise recovery; ARPA-funded lagoon project near completion

Solid waste staff presented their enterprise budget and said recent actions have returned the fund to a positive position after several capital-intensive years.

Presenters noted updated disposal rates that take effect in July and said they expect improved revenue from scrap-metal recycling under a new contract. The department expects modest ongoing operating revenues, with projected total operating revenues and expenses brought back into balance for the coming year.

On capital, staff described the ARPA-supported sewage lagoon project: roughly $2.4 million in state ARPA funds and approximately $2.0 million in county ARPA contributions have been expended to complete the project; staff requested a tentative $160,000–$170,000 in contingency/final payout funding within the enterprise budget to cover outstanding items during final closeout.

The presenter said they are preparing an operational transition to the City of Cody for wastewater operations and expect a short period of shared revenue during the handover. Commissioners asked for confirmation of final payout estimates and timing before the public hearing.