Commissioners talk trash

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — Exploring whether privatizing Kootenai County's Solid Waste Department would save taxpayers money was the topic of a heated commissioner meeting Monday.

The board directed staff to find out what it would cost to hire consultants who could look into ways to improve operations and save funds.

"From visiting with (solid waste and engineering company representatives), I perceive there's a cost savings to be had," Commission Chairman Marc Eberlein said.

Eberlein said he has heard that the annual savings to the operations budget could be $2 million to $4 million by going the privatization route.

However, a formal study would first need to be conducted for a clear answer, he said. Kootenai County's total fiscal 2019 budget for waste disposal and solid waste construction is $16 million.

While the board did not authorize funding for a study, it agreed that the potential in savings is at least worth exploring. Staff was asked to start the process by seeking study cost estimates.

"There is a national trend to privatize solid waste," Eberlein said. "I believe that if there's possible savings in government, we have an ethical obligation to chase it down."

Commissioner Chris Fillios countered that he's not convinced there will be a savings, but later agreed at least some exploration wouldn't hurt.

"I think we're managing it extremely well," he said. "I think we've got a great operation and I have not heard any complaints. It is an enterprise fund that sets an example for everywhere. Private industry doesn't always do things cheaper."

Commissioner Bob Bingham said that whenever an estimated $2 million in annual savings is even a possibility, the board should pay attention to it.

"I'm very proud of our Solid Waste Department," he said. "I'd put them up against anybody in the country. I believe in it so strongly that I wouldn't be afraid to have a company (explore the efficiencies)."

With two-thirds of the commissioner board changing in January, officials say that it will be the new board that ultimately decides whether privatization should be further studied.

John Phillips, Solid Waste operations manager, said that if the county decides to fund a study, he believes it should consider all aspects of the department.

"It's important to look beyond running transfer stations," he said.

Eberlein responded: "I don't disagree. It needs to be done right. There is a lot to look at."

Eberlein said he simply wants to know if the same services could be offered at less cost to the taxpayers.

Residential property owners in Kootenai County are assessed an annual solid waste fee of $93 each year. It allows residents to dispose up to a ton of solid waste at no additional charge for each transfer station visit and equates to 25 cents a day for all households.

Cathy Mayer, the county's Solid Waste director, said the program is financially stable and totally pays for itself as well as construction projects.

"Waste increased about 30 percent over a five-year period, but operations (cost) only increased 13 percent," Mayer said. "That shows we are fiscally responsible."

The department includes two transfer stations, 13 rural residential collection sites and a landfill at Fighting Creek — all fully funded by fees.

She said the department already contracts some services out and is always exploring ways to improve and save money.

Bingham said he doesn't believe a study would point to drastic changes, but exploration wouldn't hurt.

"I don't think you have anything to fear," Bingham told Solid Waste administrators.