Van Buren County saving more than $30,000 in waste disposal costs over the next year after officials approved a new contract with Waste Management.
Chairman Terry Hickey said the county was required to find a new provider because Capital Waste did not submit a bid for the upcoming cycle. The Waste Management proposal was the only bid the county received before the current contract expires on October 1.
“If you calculate that over the year, it’s right at $33,000 in savings over the year,” Rigsby said. “Not counting diesel, wear and tear on your vehicle.”
Hickey said the county currently pays $65 per ton for solid waste disposal through Capital Waste. The new agreement with Waste Management sets the price at $52.25 per ton and guarantees that rate for one year.
Hickey said the transition will also reduce travel times for county vehicles because the Waste Management landfill in White County is closer than the previous disposal site in Morrison. Hickey said the drive to the new facility takes about 25 minutes, compared to a 45-minute trip to the former location.
“And it’s a good road, so obviously you are going to have savings,” Hickey said. “And you don’t have the red lights to stop and go either.”
Hickey said that while the new facility is a landfill rather than a transfer station, the site is well-maintained. Hickey said he personally inspected the location to address concerns regarding potential damage to county equipment.
“It is extremely clean and nice,” Hickey said. “Compacted down, the drive-in is it’s pretty nice.”
In other business, the commission approved notary applications and appointments for the Planning Commission and Ag Board. Members also voted to move $3,201.99 for Sheriff Department contracted services and $2,700 for a surety bond.