Price changes highlight new transfer station resolution

WALLACE — The Shoshone Board of County Commissioners met Wednesday to pass a resolution amending the costs related to the Shoshone County Solid Waste Transfer Station in Kellogg.

According to BOCC chairman Mike Fitzgerald, the changes were aimed at making business at the Solid Waste Transfer Station easier for users and county employees.

None of the existing fees were raised by the resolution, however, the new changes do provide a reduction for non-construction waste fees for the county’s solid waste customers who utilize the new window sticker program.

For Fitzgerald and the rest of the BOCC, the resolution is one way that the county can cut costs and help existing taxpayers while not affecting Shoshone County’s finances.

“The changes are projected to provide $15,000 less across the scale, or about 1.5 percent of the Solid Waste Department's total annual revenue,” Fitzgerald said. “The loss in revenue is anticipated to be offset by increases from two items: the better identification of non-customers that cross the scales and the current uptick in local construction.”

When Fitzgerald says “non-customers,” he is referring to Shoshone County residents not participating in the window sticker program.

These non-customers will continue to pay a fee when they bring their household waste to the transfer station, where the minimum fee will remain at $5, or they can apply to be a part of the window sticker program with an $80 yearly fee.

With the predicted offset of costs, the BOCC and Transfer Station will be tightening up their enforcement, now that they have provided adequate time for residents to get involved in the window sticker program.

“The Window Sticker Program began with mailings (applications to residents) in November 2017,” Fitzgerald said. “The county has been relaxed with its enforcement, allowing for a transition period for Solid Waste Customers to return applications and receive stickers. From April 16 forward, the county will be stepping up their enforcement of the program and all County Solid Waste Customers will be required to display a window sticker upon entry at the Transfer Station.”

Applications for the window sticker program can be picked up at the Shoshone County Courthouse, or at the Shoshone County Solid Waste Transfer Station.

Noted changes that users will see from the resolution include:

- County Solid Water Customers (window program sticker holders) may dispose of non-construction waste free of charge.

- All non-customers will cross the scale and pay in accordance with the established fee schedule.

- As in the past, all construction waste will cross the scales and be charged in accordance with the established fee schedule.