VINTON – The growing cost of recycling was the main topic for the Benton County Board of Supervisors on May 28, as they met with John Watson and other members of the Benton County Landfill Commission.

Watson, along with commission member Loras Schulte, wanted to discuss the county’s Ordinance No. 44, and the commission’s inability to control the landfill while the ordinance is in effect. The commission would like to be in complete control of collectables.

The ordinance states recyclables can’t be put into the landfill, according to Schulte. The cost dealing with recyclables has skyrocketed. They are looking to bring the cost down.

Watson learned from recyclers that there are just no markets anymore. The expense to small communities is really crippling, Watson said. “The times are changing,” he said, and the county needs to rethink what it does with recycling.

Watson told of progress being made at the landfill. A goal each month is to make recycling cheaper for the county’s citizens.

Schulte said the commission needs flexibility and to have the county rescind Ordinance No. 44. Commission member Jennifer Zahradnik explained the ordinance was established when the supervisors were in charge of the landfill. Now the commission takes care of the landfill. The commission would like to have control over the landfill policies.

Supervisor Chairman Rick Primmer said the cities have done a good job with recycling. There is no fool-proof system for rural residents.

If repealed, the commission is able to explore other options. The commission would like to be more proactive. This gives the commission more flexibility in dealing with the future.

Supervisor Tracy Seeman brought up the recycling costs for rural residents, which can be over $400 a ton.

Primmer felt it made sense to put this into the hands of the commission. Notice will need to be made that the county is considering repealing the ordinance. The matter is to be placed on a future agenda.

Other business

The board appointed Bob Zeien as Bruce Township Trustee.

The FY19 budget amendment hearing was set for June 11 at 9:30 a.m. This puts more spending authority into watershed management.

A Class B Liquor License was approved for Blairstown Sauerkraut Days Beer Tent, for the postponed demolition derby, which will now be held in June.

Sarah Wagner discussed a handwritten claim for Social Services.

A county facility application for Benton County was approved for the Department of Human Services.

A utility permit was approved for Linn County REC in Fremont and Florence Townships.