Disagreement over landfill fees
Worland, solid waste district at odds over rate to the city
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WORLAND —City of Worland officials believe that the Washakie Solid Waste Disposal District dumped unfair fees on the city — and they’re not happy about it.
In response to the solid waste removal district establishing tipping fees (See related story, pg. 2.), the city passed an ordinance increasing residential sanitation fees from $15 to $25 per month and commercial fees from $18 to $28 per month.
The increases were based on the city’s understanding that it would be assessed about $30 per ton. However, to officials’ shock, the city received an invoice last week at a rate of $92 per ton.
Worland Mayor Dave Duffy said that after negotiating with the solid waste district board, a rate of $30 per ton was verbally agreed upon.
Worland City Attorney Kent Richins said the solid waste district is on shaky legal ground, and noted that public notice was never given on the tipping fees.
Richins said, “They had a public meeting. They didn’t fix the rate, but somehow we got word that it was $30 per ton. They let us do three ordinance readings. We finally get a bill after I beg for a bill for two months that’s $92 per ton. Our rates that we’ve raised don’t even come close.”
He added, “Legally, they have not had a public hearing where they came up with their price. So, still, they’re not on good footing as far as I’m concern,” adding that he informed Washakie County John Worrall of his concerns.
Worland City Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Glanz said the increased rates will cost the city $700,000.
Solid waste district minutes obtained by the Northern Wyoming Daily News do not reflect the board ever fixing a price for the City of Worland.
Seeking a resolution
Richins said he will be meeting with Worrall in the coming days to resolve the matter.
“They need to proceed in a legal manner, and they have not done so,” Richins said.
Washakie Solid Waste Disposal District Board Chairman Travis Filler said he is not willing to comment on the matter, but added that he will comment when it is resolved.
In a phone interview Wednesday, Richins said the city has done everything it can to work with the solid waste district, including offering to pay for a scale to weigh garbage trucks. Trucks are currently weighed at the Big Horn Co-Op for $3 per weigh-in.
“It’s really unprofessional,” Richins said of the situation.
