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ECSWC budget approved with 3 percent decreaseBy Danielle Strenke The commission members from the five-county joint powers ñ Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine and Mille Lacs ñ made no changes over the preliminary budget proposed by Executive Director Gene Kramer as presented at its November meeting. Expenses will decrease from the $5.036 million spent in 2003, but the budget does contain several increases in spending on individual line items. Kramer told the commission that because of some major projects slated for 2004, the ECSWC will realize a net loss on the year. ìWe anticipate spending $500,000 more than weíll take in next year,î Commissioner George Larson, Isanti County, said. ìWeíll have to decide whether we want to cut into the reserves like that.î The biggest increase comes in transfer station expenses. The commission will continue to make improvements to its transfer stations in Cambridge and Hinckley, with estimated expenses for equipment and improvement at $136,000 ñ an increase over the $43,000 in 2003. Kramer said the improvements include setting up a container at the Hinckley transfer station for appliance recycling, and starting work on programs at each facility to collect electronics. The state will initiate a ban on any electronic equipment entering the landfill beginning in 2005; Kramer said the commission is preparing for the law change now. The commission will also add a part time recycling education coordinator position in 2004. Kramer said it was an important position because the commission was entering into recycling pilot projects such as the waste-to-energy briquette project and recycling of electronics. The 3 percent budget decrease comes as the state processing credit to the ECSWC dwindles from $311,500 in 2003 to $20,000 in 2004. The commission could recoup most of the state credit if the briquette project and other recycling projects become successful at the Mora facility, Kramer said. By the end of 2004, the commission will have $3.4 million in various reserve funds, including $2.2 million in a financial assurance fund. This fund is in place for up to 100 years after the landfill is closed, to ensure costs are covered for any further clean-up or related expenses. Joint powers amendment stalls Following an 18-month strategic planning study, the commission was advised that the best course of action for the future of the organization was to continue operating the Mora landfill facilities beyond its 2007 sunset date. Kramer recommended that the commission take a joint powers amendment draft back to their respective county boards for approval, with a deadline of Mondayís meeting. Kramer told the commissioners Monday that so far only Chisago, Isanti and Pine counties had approved the amendment. Kanabec, he said, is waiting to complete a host fee agreement with the ECSWC before approving the amendment. ìMille Lacs is taking a look at it tomorrow,î Mille Lacs County Commissioner Robert Hoefert said. ìMy question is if we pass it, does that commit us or can we still pull out in 2007?î Kramer said it is always an option for any of the five counties, but once the commissionís debt is paid off in 2007 it will make it a more feasible option. ìYou are open to look at that at any time,î Kramer said. ©ECM Post Review |