Moment with the Mayor: Changes at the Landfill

Hi Neighbours:

I received an email recently with three questions about the changes at the landfill. Before answering, I want to provide some context around the landfill.

	2011	2012	2013	2014
Total Revenue	$365,234.53	$404,580.68	$406,884.35	$320,544.66
Total Expenses	$733,518.17	$593,547.51	$992,254.99	$1,249,054.78
Deficit	-$368,283.64	-$188,966.83	-$585,370.64	-$928,510.12

Many changes have been made at the landfill since the fire and it shows up with the size of the deficit. The Ministry of Environment has strict regulations the Town has to follow.

Here are the questions I received, and my response:

1 – Explain the charges at the waste site.

The charges at the landfill were implemented January 1, 2012 and there have been no changes to the rate since that time. What has changed this year is that a staff person is now stationed at the scale to determine the charge for using the landfill; a sign with the rates outlines the charges. There are two basic charges - charge by weight and charge by item. The Town is also ensuring compliance in two ways: excluded waste is not accepted, and if you need to dump stuff into the landfill, you will be escorted to the site. The escort is part of provincial legislation ensuring that no illegal dumping takes place and that the garbage is sorted correctly

2 – Do people from outside the local tax base pay the same rate as we do?

Only solid waste from the Town of Kindersley and the RM of Kindersley is accepted. Waste from all other areas is not accepted. This change has been in effect since the landfill fire. All waste is charged the same regardless if you are from the RM or the Town.

3 – Why is there so much difference in what one person gets charged as compared to the next person (for the same load)?

There should not be a difference in charge if you and I take the same stuff to the landfill. The staff person on site is still learning the system and I apologize for any mistakes that have been made. The goal is to ensure every person or business is charged based on the weight or the item of garbage they are disposing of.

Thank you for your continued patience as we implement a system designed to capture some costs and comply with provincial legislation.

Please write or phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any questions or comments, drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. You can also check out my blog at http://mayorjohn.blogspot.ca/. I appreciate your feedback.