Solid Waste Board - 8/11/2026
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Article Published: 08/21/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 07Solid Waste Board
Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
8/11/2026
Solid Waste Fund Shows Strong Recovery with $352,000 Surplus
FY26 budget performance exceeds expectations; board considers grant for transfer station relocation
The Broadwater County Solid Waste Board reviewed strong financial results for fiscal year 2026 and discussed a planning grant opportunity that could lead to relocating the transfer station from its current hilltop location to Cedar Street in the coming years.
Board Chair Kristofer Meier presided over the meeting, which included Vice Chair Eric Stahl and members Patrick Miller, Doug Jones, and Lisa Rowell.
County Administrative Officer Bill Jarocki presented the FY26 fourth quarter budget review, characterizing overall performance as "stellar." The fund's revenues came in at 105 percent of budget while expenses were held to just 74 percent of budgeted amounts, resulting in a $352,000 surplus—a dramatic turnaround from the previous year's $106,000 deficit.
"It's hard to complain about the performance this year," Jarocki said, crediting the board's guidance and operations management for the results.
Revenue Performance Exceeds Expectations
Maintenance assessments—a major revenue source budgeted at $899,000—came in 5 percent above budget, generating an additional $45,000. Disposal charges exceeded projections by 168 percent, while container rental revenues were stellar at 183 percent of the budgeted $14,000.
The sale of junker salvage pulled in $57,000 against a $35,000 budget, nearly 1.5 times the expected amount. Penalties and interest on late assessments also performed well, coming in at 321 percent of the budgeted $3,000.
The equitable assessment recovery program, which attempted to collect from individuals who had not paid prior assessments, was less successful. The program collected only 13 percent of the $116,000 budgeted, bringing in approximately $16,000. However, Jarocki noted that the program was expected to yield minimal results and will not continue into FY27.
Operations Show Significant Savings
The most impressive performance came from operational expenses, where the department spent only 70 percent of the $331,000 Operations and Maintenance budget. Tipping fees—a major expense budgeted at $136,000—came in at just 72 percent of budget, saving nearly $39,000. This performance reflected strong management of the facility's operations and contracting relationships.
Personnel costs for both administrative and field staff also came in under budget, at 95 percent and 96 percent, respectively. Overall, combined staffing and operational costs totaled only 85.75 percent of the $781,000 budget, saving approximately $120,000.
The fund also did not spend the $204,000 budgeted for depreciation, a capital replacement reserve set aside through the Nessie curve calculations for future asset replacement. Jarocki noted that the fund should maintain that cash cushion until after the second quarter assessment revenue arrives, ensuring sufficient operating capital.
Cash Position Strengthens for Future Investment
With the $352,000 surplus added to the carryover from the previous year, the fund now has a positive cash position of approximately $240,000 available for future capital investment. Jarocki recommended the board monitor first and second quarter budget performance and consider amending the FY27 budget to fund capital improvements once the big revenue infusion from assessments arrives in Q2.
"We're on our way back," Jarocki said, noting the dramatic turnaround from several years prior when auditors regularly flagged the fund as being in trouble. "At this rate, if we continue to move forward like we're doing here, we've got a very solid financial foundation."
Transfer Station Relocation Discussion
The board discussed a significant long-term project: potentially relocating the transfer station from its current location on the hill to Cedar Street near the county road shop facility. Operations staff explained that the current Cedar Street location has sufficient space and would improve efficiency by reducing truck traffic up the hill and back.
The discussion centered on pursuing a planning grant with a deadline of August 21st. If approved, the grant would fund a preliminary engineering report at no cost to the county. However, accepting the grant would commit the county to proceeding with the project.
Grant funding timelines are challenging: grants are awarded in even-numbered years, so the next award cycle would be December 2026. If the board applies by August 21st, they could receive notification of award in December. If they wait until January to apply, they would not know the outcome for approximately two years.
Jarocki provided context for the urgency. The Gallatin County landfill facility, which began construction in 2004 at a cost of $4 million, cost $25 million in 2018 and $40 million in 2023. The current expansion project is estimated at $50 million.
"The longer we wait, the more it's going to cost us," Jarocki said. "That's just life."
Board members expressed interest in pursuing the August 21st deadline. Operations staff noted that the new facility would consolidate some of the county's outlying transfer stations, potentially closing sites like Dry Gulch and reducing operations at Winston. The consolidation could save approximately $100,000 annually in manpower and fuel costs alone.
"It's a lot of equipment to buy at some point," one board member noted, referring to the aging loader and other machinery. "A new transfer station makes sense if we can get grant funding."
Operations staff agreed to contact Stephanie Wilkkey, a planning grant specialist with Great West Engineering, to move forward with the August 21st application timeline. The board will make a final decision after receiving more information from the consultant.
Winter Hours Decision
The board also discussed seasonal adjustments to transfer station hours, ultimately deciding to maintain current operations but emphasize daylight-only hours for safety during winter months. The Cedar Street facility will remain open 12 hours daily, while the Winston location will continue operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Exact winter hours were adjusted to ensure operations occur during daylight for safety reasons.
The meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for November 10th at 6:00 p.m.
