Branch disposal fees at the Restricted Use Site
Summary
Council looked at waiving branch disposal fees, which bring in about $13,000 a year, but heard the fee already is a fraction of other rates and the solid waste fund runs thin. No change was recommended.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Mar 16, 2026.
Impact analysis
Waiving fees would cut about $13,000 a year from a fund already projected to lose roughly $50,000 in 2026.
Residents hauling yard waste would save money if fees were waived — but council took no action.
Residents currently pay out of pocket to dispose of branches.
Mentions & discussions (4)
City Council - Mar 16, 2026
Council Member Myers wanted branch disposal free, but the council said no 5-1. The finance officer warned the solid waste fund already runs a $47,000 deficit and must cover its own costs — so free branches could mean higher trash bills for everyone. A fuller cost review is planned for the 2027 budget.
City Council - Mar 11, 2026
Should Spearfish stop charging residents to dump branches? Staff say the fee brings in about $13,000 a year and the site's fund gets no general fund money, so eliminating it would raise everyone's solid waste rates. The full council votes Monday.
City Council - Feb 25, 2026
Residents are charged to dump yard branches at the rubble site, and Council Member Myers plus a resident say it discourages cleanup. The actual fee is $5 per pickup load, often waived for small loads. Decision deferred to next study session.
City Council - Jan 28, 2026
Council looked at waiving branch disposal fees, which bring in about $13,000 a year, but heard the fee already is a fraction of other rates and the solid waste fund runs thin. No change was recommended.
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