County reviews Saturday transfer‑station contract after low public use; staff to renegotiate options

Beaufort County staff presented six months of usage data for a weekend disposal option the county contracted with Republic Services to operate, and recommended discontinuing the Saturday service or renegotiating the contract.

The Saturday transfer‑station arrangement was funded in the fiscal year budget at $60,000 annually to have Republic Services open the transfer station four hours every Saturday (8 a.m.–12 p.m.) to give residents an option for disposing of construction and demolition (C&D) debris that is not accepted at regular county convenience sites. Republic Services provided weekly reports of loads and tonnage but the data did not distinguish resident versus contractor usage.

Public Works staff summarized the six months of data: 13 Saturday uses (loads) over the period, with an average of about 4.35 loads on Saturdays when there was use; the weekly high was 11 loads and some weeks had zero. Staff noted the county pays only for the operating hours (the $5,000 per month contract); disposal fees charged at the scale go to Republic Services. Using the figures discussed in the presentation, staff explained that dividing half the annual cost ($30,000) by 13 loads produced a cost per load of roughly $266 — an illustration staff used to show low utilization versus cost.

Commissioners and members of the public said they value weekend access for residents who work weekday hours and suggested alternatives such as extended weekday hours, first/third Saturday schedules or one Saturday a month (staff said Republic had offered a one‑Saturday‑per‑month option at $1,250 per month). Commissioners asked staff to return with renegotiated options: alternatives discussed included extended weekday hours at lower incremental cost, every‑other‑Saturday service, one Saturday a month, improved signage at convenience sites and other cost‑reduction measures. The board did not take a formal vote to end the contract at the meeting; staff said any contract changes require 28 days’ written notice and would take effect in February if directed.

Public Works staff also said Republic quoted the Saturday availability with increased pricing to account for liability, staffing and the fact that Saturdays historically were used internally by the company to move materials for county convenience‑site operations rather than direct public service.