Flathead County commissioners OK landfill fee hikes

By HEIDI DESCH

Hungry Horse News

Fee increases are going into effect for the Flathead County Solid Waste District this fall.  

The annual assessment fee for the landfill will increase from $80.73 to $92.84 beginning Sept. 1.  The increase will be reflected on property taxes due in November.  

The tip fee at the landfill on Nov. 1 will increase from $31.05 to $35.71 per ton.  

County commissioners on Aug. 20 approved the fee increase.  

Dave Prunty, county public works director, said the county hired a consultant to conduct a disposal fee study to review operational and capital expenses while looking at landfill fees. The study by MSW Consultants provided the opportunity to analyze different options for fees, he said, showing that the district needed to increase fees to keep operating.  

“We have not raised our rates since 2007 and a few years ago I saw some things in the budgeting process that made me concerned,” he said, prompting the rate study.  

Both fees are increasing by 15% this fall and commissioners also approved an additional 3% annual increase over the next four years.  

The adjustment is necessary to address rising operational costs due to inflation, increased staffing needs, capital improvements and growing waste volume, according to the county.  

Service charges for green waste such as brush and limbs will also increase to $55 per ton on Nov. 1.  

The county’s solid waste district generates revenue through a combination of landfill tipping fees, assessment fees and special service area fees. Commercial waste haulers, commercial businesses and residents with large loads pay the tipping fee at the landfill. Residential properties pay a per unit assessment fee per year.