Solid waste discussion back on table

    About a year ago, city and county officials were considering agreements that would terminate the interlocal agreement on operation of the Southwest Solid Waste Agency.
    The city council and county commissioners both had agreements drawn up, with some differing sections. No resolution was ever reached.
    While negotiations on those bogged down, it appears discussion may be resuming on trying to work out details.
    Commissioner Dennis Kunnemann attended Monday’s city council meeting via Zoom.
    He said the commissioners were very close to walking away from the interlocal agreement last year between the two governing entities.
    But, he said Monday, that has changed.
    “It’s the consensus of the commissioners after multiple discussions we want to stay in,” he said.
    “We don’t want to withdraw.”
    At one point during recent discussions, it appeared the city might assume entire control of the solid waste operation and its recycling program after the county indicated it wanted out.
    Some of the stalling points included availability of dirt for county use, the C & D site, use of recycling center and more.
    Kunnemann believes that before the two get back to working on each side’s concerns, the solid waste agency board needs to be back in place.
    That means appointing people. The county has made its appointments. The city has not.
    At Monday’s meeting, Mayor Dwight Coleman said he believes the differences need to be worked out first between the elected officials before the board is back in operation.
    “I think the differences between the county and city need resolved before we put the board together,” Coleman said.
    He said, if not, it would be setting up the board to fail.
    The board has not met for about two years.

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