[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6557064,"mediaKeyId","3327379-322f7e85a677d32e5f63577f4e126dfa","parentId",3327379,"title","Comal County weighs recycling overhaul, tightens mulch drop-off rules after cost analysis","audioSeconds",1305,"startMs",1151000,"endMs",2456000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327379-322f7e85a677d32e5f63577f4e126dfa&start=1151&end=2456","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327379-322f7e85a677d32e5f63577f4e126dfa/thumbnail_1151000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6557064/Comal-County/Texas/Comal-County-weighs-recycling-overhaul-tightens-mulch-drop-off-rules-after-cost-analysis","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557064-05b72507413f358e60652926c11b2abe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770965137&Signature=ZFlJr5xkJRCVNdByKMNhen9Ldk-01M2cUaCnJXC8ZbtHDOO6~kPeS~k9HCKknaWAhHCIVAlwoMS7p2gRIcbsy~Vmcf~jlSQn1D-LBsdQ0A7e3mDg2ZvJG8Cb7mwo72cQz8ygvfacTnkjqyEZCdJmIcv7EHLCznuKpYVo~in~cBBj0D~Ze7l5P0bI5exaBqMVHXnYo0Ied0e1RcKOYmTOR2yTIAR4mVHbv7lTsUzZNZmSY5ByQQWZy1DCkvKEPlhwGX1nEeDhFug3QjkUJp2ZcQGUR-pQQ-7HeV7lU6aMrZ7zhXD0tRyBG6vA3prn5OOXC99PJ63EIQuutXoOMDMLxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Comal County Texas","date","2025-05-15T08:30:00Z","article","Comal County staff presented a detailed cost analysis on May 15 on options to run the county recycling and mulch programs, and the Commissioners Court adopted a new brush policy that will stop accepting green-waste bags and tie residents’ ability to drop off brush to the county’s on-site mulch inventory.

The report, delivered by Robert Boyd, a county staff member, examined nine options ranging from continuing single-stream collection at the Rural Recycling Center to reopening remote recycling sites with separated streams for cardboard and aluminum. Boyd said audits at a local materials-recovery facility (MRF) showed high contamination for single-stream loads and drove much of the analysis. \"The first audit was all single stream and we had a 35% contamination rate,\" Boyd said during the workshop presentation. He told commissioners the county could instead focus on baling cardboard and aluminum or place compactors at selected sites.

Why it matters: the county must weigh operating costs, likely revenues and community access. Single-stream recycling requires large trucks and staff; commodity prices have fallen, making single-stream processing more expensive. The county’s mulch operation also has fire-safety and inventory constraints that affect whether residents can drop off brush and take mulch.

Key decisions and context
Boyd told the court that the county’s mulching site is organized into six pile locations with a maximum inventory of about 26,667 cubic yards (six piles) produced from roughly 20,000 cubic yards of ground brush. The county will stop accepting brush if inventory exceeds six piles or 20,000 cubic yards of brush and will reopen drop-offs when inventory falls. \"We're not accepting green waste bags anymore,\" Boyd told the court, citing contamination concerns that reduce product quality. The court approved the new brush policy (action agenda item 8) and directed staff to include proposed fee changes for brush drop-offs in the 2026 budget.

Costs, revenue and operational trade-offs
The presentation broke down nine scenarios. Highlights included:
- Single-stream at the Rural Recycling Center (option 1): no new labor required but an annual net operating cost estimated at about $130,000 after mulch/brush revenue. Disposal cost estimates were based on MRF audits and staff tonnage projections.
- Single-stream with separated cardboard/aluminum at the Rural Center (option 2): adds one non-CDL staff member and reduced disposal costs; estimated net operating cost rose to about $148,000 annually.
- Cardboard compactor options (option 3) and an approach that collects only cardboard and aluminum (option 4) were modeled; the latter produced the lowest net operating cost in the one-site scenarios because it eliminates single-stream disposal charges.
- Reopening remote sites (options 5–9) added costs for additional CDL drivers and new trucks or trailers but improved local access and increased revenue projections from baled cardboard and aluminum. One modeled option that used dump trailers and separated streams across sites lowered operating cost compared with full single-stream collection countywide.

Revenue figures cited by staff included a purchasing estimate of about $45 per ton for baled cardboard and roughly $940 per ton for baled aluminum. Boyd said the county currently generates roughly one ton of cardboard per day and about one ton of aluminum every six weeks, based on recent volumes. He also said replacement cost for each recycling truck today is about $265,000 and the county spends about $70,000 annually on maintenance and fuel for three recycle trucks.

Public comment and local impacts
West Leah Miller, executive director of the nonprofit food pantry Provisions, told the court that her organization relies on the county recycling program to dispose of large volumes of cardboard. \"As the executive director for the food pantry, I'm appealing to you ... that the remote recycling locations be reinstated,\" Miller said. She told commissioners many low-income residents in unincorporated areas lack municipal collection options and depend on county sites.

Commissioner responses and next steps
Commissioners asked whether county trucks could be repurposed if the court moved away from single-stream; Boyd answered the county could liquidate older trucks or retain them if market conditions for recyclables improved. Commissioners also discussed compactors and noted compactor service costs sometimes exceed expected revenue, effectively meaning the county would pay both hauling and disposal costs.

The court approved the new brush/mulch policy banning green-waste bags and linking brush drop-off to mulch inventory (action agenda item 8). Boyd said proposed fee increases for brush drop-offs (to be included in the 2026 budget) would raise commercial dump-truck drop-off fees from $40 to $150 and increase pickup/trailer fees by roughly 50% to better reflect processing costs and to produce a cleaner mulch product.

What remains undecided
The commissioners did not select one of the nine model options to change the recycling footprint immediately. Boyd left the nine-option comparison table with costs, one-time equipment purchases and staffing impacts for the court’s follow-up. Commissioners indicated they will consider the fee schedule in the 2026 budget cycle and may take additional direction on whether to reopen remote sites, buy trucks/trailers, or pursue a limited cardboard-and-aluminum-only program.

Clarifying details
- Mulch inventory: county staff described a six-pile system with a 26,667-cubic-yard threshold (six piles). When piles exceed internal temperature thresholds (about 60°C) or remain more than six months, staff may move material.
- Contamination: Waste Management/MRF audits cited 35% contamination on a full single-stream audit and slightly lower contamination after cardboard/aluminum were removed.
- Revenue assumptions: purchasing estimates cited ~$45/ton for baled cardboard and ~$940/ton for baled aluminum; county staff cautioned commodity markets fluctuate.

Ending
Staff will include the proposed brush/mulch fee adjustments in the 2026 budget and return with implementation details. Commissioners signaled continued public interest in restoring local convenience sites but emphasized the county must balance service access, operating costs and market realities for recyclable commodities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Comal County Texas - Commissioners Court - May 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Comal County staff presented a detailed cost analysis on May 15 on options to run the county recycling and mulch programs, and the Commissioners Court adopted a new brush policy that will stop accepting green-waste bags and tie residents’ ability to drop off brush to the county’s on-site mulch inventory.","taxTitle","Comal County, Texas","taxId",2699,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557059,"Votes at a glance: Comal County Commissioners approve claims, plaques, plats, contracts, appointments and settlements",358,3540000,3898000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327379-322f7e85a677d32e5f63577f4e126dfa&start=3540&end=3898","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327379-322f7e85a677d32e5f63577f4e126dfa/thumbnail_3540000.jpg","/articles/6557059/Comal-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Comal-County-Commissioners-approve-claims-plaques-plats-contracts-appointments-and-settlements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557059-6eddc083b4e37069fed282a9c264de84/orig.mp4?Expires=1770965137&Signature=W-S6sLlnx0GmJfwKerZuGZE0PVjcZLOV5SDa5T5sdxiicKH-yHt-Z8Q3ZgI3CAWucx2MJHGLMKfvazBCtKLgwjDwpu411XGRNwgCF4hW5ZBbTlPiioDT7tlqpBJVGAEpZsxNSReiy4kc3pbu~21gqdQw-q5S7s~gdzdExm5lZ0LQFhkY8mHrp-HBQHeOqMt4~0vVIAhlzLCCw7-e1v4hLYue-5HwE4roo4y~Qvt-EZbc1Q25R7RLaa0M7ORCmWfkbAhPzJjb1ozLE7wNGP76fbM4eLALipuHTNgUg~V0sN2PzXqaa3KRPvcp6pFH1esSridGYbcDPnNXBJNF5UNiAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Comal County Commissioners Court approved a set of routine and substantive items during its May 15 meeting, including payment of claims, two historic recognition items, several plat amendments and final plat approval, an interlocal renewal with Garden Ridge, a vendor change to a statewide victim-notification contract, the reappointment of the county fire marshal, a jail overtime budget transfer, and two settlement/release agreements approved after executive session.

Claims and recognitions
- The court approved county claims for May 2025: electronic funds transfers of $380,205.01 and regular claims totaling $2,238,891.91, for a combined total of $2,619,096.92. The motion to approve the claims carried by voice vote.
- The court adopted a proclamation honoring Marvin and Anne Giumbinardi (transcript spelled multiple variants) as recipients of the Frederick Freeholz Jr. Historic Preservation Award for their restoration work in New Braunfels’ historic districts. Ann Giumbinardi accepted the award.

Plats and land matters
- The court approved amendments to plats combining lots in Sattler Business Lots (Lots 7 & 9 → Lot 7R) and Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard Unit 2 (Lots 440 & 441 → Lot 440R), and granted final plat approval for Tri City Park Subdivision (Bracken area/ETJ of San Antonio). Staff recommended each as complete applications; motions carried by voice vote.

Contracts, interlocal and appointments
- Contract 52025 SYZCOMAL: The court approved the participating-entity services agreement for the statewide automated victim notification service maintenance grant (Office of the Texas Attorney General) and authorized the county judge to sign electronically; the contract change was initiated by the Attorney General’s office and becomes effective Sept. 1 (agenda item 6).
- Interlocal renewal with the City of Garden Ridge: The court renewed the agreement on installation and maintenance of \"no through truck\" warning signage on county-maintained right-of-way where it interfaces with the city. The city has signed the renewal and the court approved it.
- Reappointment: The court reappointed Corey Kulbunde as Comal County Fire Marshal for a two-year term effective May 15, 2025 (agenda item 11). Kulbunde spoke briefly and referenced local fire-weather conditions.

Jail staffing and budget transfer
- The court approved a line-item transfer in the jail budget to move funds from hourly personnel to law-enforcement overtime to address an officer shortage (agenda item 12). Major (name not provided) described the staffing shortfall, noting the jail is short approximately 25 positions and the department is losing personnel to higher-paying neighboring agencies. The transfer was approved to preserve overtime coverage.

Executive-session settlements
- After a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, the court approved release agreements resolving two matters: a release agreement with Tracy Lynn Poole and a release agreement with Isaiah Northcutt. The court authorized the county judge to sign both agreements as discussed in executive session (agenda item 13c).

Procedure and voting
Most motions were moved and seconded by county commissioners and adopted by a voice/raise-of-hands vote; the transcript records repeated phrasing \"All in favor, please raise your right hand. All opposed, same sign. Motion carries.\" Individual roll-call tallies were not provided in the public transcript for these items.

Clarifying details
- Claims total: EFTs $380,205.01; regular claims $2,238,891.91; combined $2,619,096.92.
- Change order (agenda item 9): The court approved Change Order No. 14 to rename the Comal County Goodwin Annex as the Comal County Churchill Annex; cost to add backlit letters to the building façade was $2,729 to be charged to the current project (public health emergency operations center, ARPA-funded). The court directed staff to remount a historic marker on a pedestal near the site and to provide interpretive information in the new building lobby.
- Victim notification contract effective date: vendor change initiated by the Office of the Texas Attorney General, effective Sept. 1 (agenda item 6).
- Jail staffing: Major reported the jail is short about 25 positions and competing agencies offer higher base pay and sign-on incentives.

Proper names and agencies referenced
Comal County; Comal County Commissioners Court; New Braunfels; City of Garden Ridge; Office of the Texas Attorney General; Comal County Fire Marshal (Corey Kulbunde); Provisions (food pantry).

Outcome summary (selected agenda items)
- Item 1: Approve claims for May 2025 — approved (motion carried).
- Item 2: Proclamation—Frederick Freeholz Jr. Historic Preservation Award to Marvin and Anne Giumbinardi — approved.
- Item 3–5: Plat amendments and final plat (Sattler business lots, Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard Unit 2, Tri City Park Subdivision) — approved.
- Item 6: Contract 52025 SYZCOMAL (participating-entity services agreement for statewide automated victim notification service maintenance grant) — approved; judge authorized to sign electronically.
- Item 7: Renew interlocal with City of Garden Ridge for no-through-truck signage — approved.
- Item 8: Adopt brush/mulch policy (see separate article) — approved.
- Item 9: Approve change order No. 14 renaming Goodwin Annex to Churchill Annex, authorize county administrator to execute — approved; change-order cost $2,729.
- Item 11: Reappoint Corey Kulbunde as Fire Marshal to a two-year term effective 05/15/2025 — approved.
- Item 12: Line-item transfer to augment law-enforcement overtime in the jail budget — approved.
- Item 13(c): Approve release agreements discussed in executive session (Tracy Lynn Poole; Isaiah Northcutt), authorize county judge to sign — approved.

Ending
The court recessed at the close of the agenda. Several items (notably the recycling program options and proposed 2026 fee changes) will return for further consideration and budget-level decisions.","Comal County Commissioners Court approved claims, proclamations, plats, contracts and several administrative actions during its May 15 session; two settlement agreements were authorized following executive session.","actionData","errors"]

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Comal County weighs recycling overhaul, tightens mulch drop-off rules after cost analysis

Votes at a glance: Comal County Commissioners approve claims, plaques, plats, contracts, appointments and settlements