DAYTON, Tenn. — The environmental fee charged for dumping garbage at the Rhea County landfill will increase $2 per load on Feb. 1, and county officials are questioning the charge.
On Tuesday, Finance Director Bill Graham told members of the County Commission’s Budget Committee that Santek Environmental, the company that operates the landfill, recently informed him of the increase by letter, saying the hike reflects an increase in state fees charged the company.
During the commission meeting that followed, Commission Chairman Ronnie Raper asked if the increase is figured into the regular dumping fee charged by the company.
Under its contract with the county, Santek does not charge its usual fee to the county, Dayton, Spring City or Graysville for using the facility.
Graham responded that he believes the two fees are separate.
“We do have an item in the budget for environmental fees,” he said. “They’re absolutely going up, but we haven’t gotten any notification from the state.”
County Executive George Thacker said county and Santek officials will meet to try to resolve the issue.
Commissioners also approved a lease renewal with Sequatchie Valley Head Start to continue to use the former Spivey School building, a facility the organization has occupied since 1983.
Head Start Director Judy Graham said her organization operates four classrooms in the building and plans to seek special funds to replace the roof.
Contact Tom Davis at tsdavis@volstate.net.