The Culpeper County Board of Supervisors on June 3 approved a $678,036 budget amendment to cover additional expenditures for contract disposal services at the county transfer station after staff reported substantially higher tonnage than projected.

County staff explained the amendment stems from receipt of almost 8,000 more tons of material than projected for the year. Disposal costs are currently $92.93 per ton while the county’s commercial collection rate collects $71.50 per ton, creating a per-ton shortfall. Staff said the budget amendment covers a roughly $175,000 shortfall from the tipping-fee differential and about $199,000 tied to increased “free tonnage” — residential loads under 500 pounds that are not charged — with the remaining deficit covered by a $369,055 draw from the landfill fund.

Board members asked about the source of the increased tonnage; staff said construction-demolition debris accounted for the largest growth, tracking with local housing and commercial construction activity, and that much of the growth came in roll-off containers. Supervisors also asked about neighboring counties’ tipping fees; staff provided comparative figures during the discussion.

Supervisor Rosenberger moved approval and the board adopted the amendment after a motion, second and an aye vote; the chair declared the motion carried. Staff said the committee would discuss the item further at a subsequent meeting.