Published: January 18, 2007 12:05 pm            

Many questions about future of county landfill

It’s been a wild 10 months for the Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency, with two pressing questions about its future and many taxpayers wondering what hangs in the balance.

In March, Allied Waste Industries — part of the nation’s second-largest waste hauling company — asked about buying the landfill as a way to maintain local operations after losing its Clinton site to the Liberty Square redevelopment project. The idea never moved past the initial discussion, however, and now the pendulum has swung in the complete opposite direction, with the ASWA director recommending moving toward total local control of daily landfill operations.

The board listened to Director of Operations Laura Liegois in December when she suggested not renewing the contract of Brian Gay Construction Co. The firm was earning $31,000 a month on the three-year deal, and Liegois stated the county wasn’t getting it’s money’s worth. The board’s operations committee agreed and the agency followed suit.

Last week, Liegois suggested it will cost $38,500 to $40,000 a month for the first five years of local control while the lease or purchase of new equipment is being paid. By mentioning the things the agency wouldn’t have to worry about, Liegois seemed to reveal details about her dissatisfaction with Brian Gay.

“We would have complete control of the situation. We would know if compaction of the trash is being done,” she said. “There would be no dealing with issues regarding litter fencing or snow removal equipment not being here. We would not be at the mercy of the contractor. We could choose the staff that is working here.”

At this time, the board seems to be using the right measure of caution in broaching the subject. Doug Goodall, the Delmar City Council representative and vice chairman of the board, pointed to “incredible headaches” with the last two contractors and indicated local control may be worth some extra cost. Beside, he said, the landfill will be around much longer than five years, so long-term vision is crucial.

Liegois acknowledged questions about the financial prudence of investing $1.2 million in new equipment while the ASWA already is on the hook for a new $1.1-million cell. Board Chairman Dave Richards, of Goose Lake, said having the best possible operations would give the county the best chance of getting the recommended 14 years of use out of the new cell.

Meanwhile, bid documents are ready. There were many bidders before the last contract was signed and some people think money issues with the Iowa Department of Transportation could make for a lot of contractors looking for work.

It appears the landfill board is at somewhat of a crossroads. Less than a year after talking about getting out of the business altogether, it’s conceivable that a seven-figure investment could instill an almost permanent sense of stability.

If such action can save taxpayer dollars in the long run — or at least afford a significant increase in efficiency — then it ought to be fully explored. Of course, trouble with two contractors doesn’t mean another firm can’t provide the desired level of service. If that can be attained without the extra expense, it would seem to be the favorable option.

Because this is such a pressing issue, we hope everyone with a stake is involved in the process. That means the elected officials appointed to the board should return to their communities and have open, frank discussion about the alternatives and get a good read on what everyone prefers. There may not be a consensus, especially since so many factors are at play, but having the dialogue will help many, many people feel proper decisions are being made.

This is a complicated task, but we feel the agency board can rise to the occasion.

        

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