Wednesday, April 14, 2004

Commission split on yard debris fees Would residents pay for a service they’re currently getting for free? That’s the issue the Fayette County Commission will wrangle with after the issue of paying for yard debris at the county’s landfill was brought before the board. Finance Director Mark Pulliam told the board that revenues from commercial operators don’t nearly cover the costs of getting rid of Fayette’s cast-off tree limbs and lawn debris. “It’s fair to charge to cover our operating costs,” he said. The finance director said the landfill lost more than $128,000 last year on debris removals, and the deficit is currently being covered through the general fund. “If the general fund pays for this, you’re losing money in other areas, such as public safety,” he said. He recommended a tipping fee of $4 per car, $8 per pickup and $15 for larger vehicles. Pulliam estimated the fee would bring in nearly $131,000, which would give the county nearly $25,000 in operating margin at the landfill. But Commissioner Herb Frady had problems with Pulliam’s figures, and said he had seen earlier figures that showed the landfill was not losing nearly Pulliam’s estimated amount. Commissioner A.G. VanLandingham was also reluctant about adding the charge. “I think if you start charging, you’re going to find folks dumping stuff in empty lots,” he said. But Commissioners Linda Wells and Peter Pfeifer supported the fee. “I think user fees are appropriate for governments,” Wells said. As the discussion continued, it became apparent that Commission Chairman Greg Dunn would cast the deciding vote. But Dunn said he had several questions about the issue, and suggested tabling the proposal until the board got further information. The board agreed to table the fee discussion until May.