MONROE - Mounting frustration and a bit of empathy were the driving forces behind the Solid Waste Management Board's decision to allow non-members use of the Green County Transfer Station again, landfill manager Randy Thompson said following the unanimous decision this week.
All seven members of the board agreed to the resolution Thursday; Thompson scheduled the meeting specifically to address the issue. The change means that once again, residents of Monroe can use the facility, albeit at a higher fee than those who live in municipalities that are members of the landfill.
"The city (of Monroe) doesn't see the need for it," Thompson said. "I guess it comes down to if the city won't help them, then I'll help them."
The Green County Transfer Station serves as a stopping point for trash collected from area municipalities before it's taken to the landfill in Janesville. The transfer station processes both recycling and garbage, and specifically caters to those trying to toss bigger items, such as couches, appliances or roof shingles.
A member community pays $45 per ton of garbage taken to the transfer station. Board Chair Richard Vogel said the rate for non-member residents is $60 per ton.
Thompson said Monroe residents have shown a need for the transfer station. Ever since Dec. 1, when the board cut off use by non-member municipalities, the transfer station has gotten requests daily from Monroe residents asking to dump materials at the landfill. There has also been an increase in the number of big items dumped in ditches of neighboring township roads brought in by members, he said.
Monroe abandoned its membership to the Green County Transfer Station in January of 2015 after a tug-of-war between the two entities regarding the fees associated with membership. City residents continued to use the transfer station as non-members. Contract negotiations throughout last summer between the city and the landfill fizzled after the Monroe Common Council voted to end all discussions. Both the transfer station and the city cited a lack of compromise by the other side as the reason negotiations failed.
Thompson said Monroe residents have shared their concerns about their lack of choice on where to go. He recalled one construction worker who hauled building material waste to the site, but was denied access. Thompson said when the worker called the city to ask what his choices were, the city replied that he could drive the materials to the landfill in Janesville.
Monroe currently hauls all the trash to it collects the landfill in Janesville. On Oct. 6 the city began a test route and has continued the process after studying the effectiveness of the change.
Alderwoman Brooke Bauman said she has received similar phone calls from people unaware of the options Monroe offers. The city will take away items larger than the garbage carts, such as old carpeting, appliances or furniture, for an extra fee and through an advance arrangement with the city sanitation department.
Bauman served as an advisory member of the waste board before contract negotiations ended. She said she knows the convenience the transfer station will provide by giving people who want to haul away a truckload of items but do not necessarily want to make the 40-mile trip to Janesville or pay to rent a dumpster.
"I think it's really good for the citizens," Bauman said. "I think people will appreciate the option, and not even city residents but those in the surrounding area who are non-members as well. It's a step in the right direction."
Thompson said the change will not affect the financial status of the transfer station greatly, and was not a driving factor in the decision.
Currently, the facility is operating at a $23,500 deficit despite the gradual improvement throughout the first six months of the year. Thompson said two years ago, the number would have been twice as much.
All seven members of the board agreed to the resolution Thursday; Thompson scheduled the meeting specifically to address the issue. The change means that once again, residents of Monroe can use the facility, albeit at a higher fee than those who live in municipalities that are members of the landfill.
"The city (of Monroe) doesn't see the need for it," Thompson said. "I guess it comes down to if the city won't help them, then I'll help them."
The Green County Transfer Station serves as a stopping point for trash collected from area municipalities before it's taken to the landfill in Janesville. The transfer station processes both recycling and garbage, and specifically caters to those trying to toss bigger items, such as couches, appliances or roof shingles.
A member community pays $45 per ton of garbage taken to the transfer station. Board Chair Richard Vogel said the rate for non-member residents is $60 per ton.
Thompson said Monroe residents have shown a need for the transfer station. Ever since Dec. 1, when the board cut off use by non-member municipalities, the transfer station has gotten requests daily from Monroe residents asking to dump materials at the landfill. There has also been an increase in the number of big items dumped in ditches of neighboring township roads brought in by members, he said.
Monroe abandoned its membership to the Green County Transfer Station in January of 2015 after a tug-of-war between the two entities regarding the fees associated with membership. City residents continued to use the transfer station as non-members. Contract negotiations throughout last summer between the city and the landfill fizzled after the Monroe Common Council voted to end all discussions. Both the transfer station and the city cited a lack of compromise by the other side as the reason negotiations failed.
Thompson said Monroe residents have shared their concerns about their lack of choice on where to go. He recalled one construction worker who hauled building material waste to the site, but was denied access. Thompson said when the worker called the city to ask what his choices were, the city replied that he could drive the materials to the landfill in Janesville.
Monroe currently hauls all the trash to it collects the landfill in Janesville. On Oct. 6 the city began a test route and has continued the process after studying the effectiveness of the change.
Alderwoman Brooke Bauman said she has received similar phone calls from people unaware of the options Monroe offers. The city will take away items larger than the garbage carts, such as old carpeting, appliances or furniture, for an extra fee and through an advance arrangement with the city sanitation department.
Bauman served as an advisory member of the waste board before contract negotiations ended. She said she knows the convenience the transfer station will provide by giving people who want to haul away a truckload of items but do not necessarily want to make the 40-mile trip to Janesville or pay to rent a dumpster.
"I think it's really good for the citizens," Bauman said. "I think people will appreciate the option, and not even city residents but those in the surrounding area who are non-members as well. It's a step in the right direction."
Thompson said the change will not affect the financial status of the transfer station greatly, and was not a driving factor in the decision.
Currently, the facility is operating at a $23,500 deficit despite the gradual improvement throughout the first six months of the year. Thompson said two years ago, the number would have been twice as much.