City of Leavenworth explores taking over county transfer station; commissioners ask for more details
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Summary
City manager Scott Peterson told county commissioners the city is considering operating a consolidation/transfer station for municipal residential waste; commissioners expressed mixed support and asked staff to continue discussions before any decision.
City of Leavenworth officials proposed further conversations with Leavenworth County about the future of the county transfer station, telling commissioners the city is considering options that could include taking over station operations or building a consolidation station for the city’s residential waste.
Scott Peterson, Leavenworth city manager, told the board the city owns nearby property on Gilman and is looking at a short-term plan (2026) that would maintain current service levels while buying additional equipment. Peterson said the city’s near-term plan would not open a facility to the public; it would consolidate city residential waste for transfer to the Shawnee landfill or other facilities. He said the city might build a consolidation station on the Gilman property in 2027–28 and that long-term landfill closures make a local transfer capability worth planning for.
County Administrator Mark Laffrey framed the item as an early, exploratory conversation. He told commissioners the county wanted to “explore all options” before the city proceeded because once the city begins construction “there’s really no going back.” Laffrey said the county does not currently subsidize city use of the transfer station and emphasized that any change should not reduce county service levels.
Commissioners voiced a range of concerns. Commissioner Mike Smith and Commissioner Jess Culberson described historical problems with nearby landfill and transfer site operations and said they needed more information before supporting a transfer of operations. Commissioner Mike Stevens and others said the county should seek concrete benefits for county residents before agreeing to any transfer. Several commissioners stressed staff should explore specifics about service level protections, staffing (the city indicated it would likely retain current transfer-station employees), and financial and operational impacts before returning with recommendations.
Scott Peterson said the city would be willing to take on existing transfer-station employees. Tammy, the station’s current director, attended and was identified by staff as part of further discussions.
The board directed staff to continue conversations with the city and report back; there was no formal action to transfer operations or change rates during the meeting.
