Committee weighs county purchase of compost, seeks quality assurances

Staff told the committee they plan to propose a board item to allocate franchise‑fee funds to purchase compost for free distribution to residents and to sustain the program. The chair said the county would buy compost by the ton and make it free to residents, noting procurement and accounting complexities because franchise fees are commingled in general funds.

Members raised concerns about compost quality and appropriate uses, citing online complaints about product performance in some landscape applications. A committee member asked that soil reports and user guidance be made available when compost is distributed so residents and growers understand proper mixing and application. Staff said compost used in the county comes from certified organic facilities and that soil reports are available to share.