Grant County tables proposed solid-waste ordinance after wide public comment

The Grant County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 10 voted to table Ordinance O-26-02, which would update county authority over solid waste collection, disposal and fees, after a lengthy public hearing that drew residents, haulers and commissioners into detailed debate.

Commissioner Stevens, who introduced specific edits to the draft ordinance, recommended eliminating certain waiver exceptions (including a 300-contiguous-acre exemption) and clarifying a provision that appeared to let owners under existing hauler contracts apply for waivers. “Those provisions are creating confusion and a perception of unfairness,” Stevens said, arguing the board should add an “occasional use” waiver for rarely occupied properties and have attorneys review the changes before adoption.

Public commenters told the board the proposed fee structure could be burdensome. “If the haulers have to start paying tonnage instead of having that pass through, then I’m probably gonna be paying closer to $90 a month,” Katie Nolasco said, describing how pricing changes could affect rural households who haul their own trash. Former hauler Dale Dods provided local operational context and warned that sharp increases could spur illegal dumping.

Commissioner discussion focused on how waivers shift costs, the Solid Waste Authority’s role in setting rates, and overlap between county assessments and hauler tipping fees. Commissioner Stevens noted the ordinance does not itself set dollar rates: the authority calculates costs and rates, which the county would apply by resolution. Commissioners also discussed using gross receipts taxes to offset household bills and possible adjustments for homeowner associations that already pay tipping fees through contracted haulers.

Chairman Ponce moved to table the ordinance so the county attorney and manager could review edits and return the item to the Sept. 24 agenda. The motion carried by voice vote. The board’s delay is time-limited: Ponce urged colleagues to provide edits within 13 days to avoid ongoing county expense exposure while rates remain in effect.