County Council held a special meeting on Dec. 16 and voted to extend the existing interlocal agreement with the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District for three months. The LSWDD’s managing board signed the extension during a meeting on Friday, Dec. 13. This extension enables the continuation of services at the facility while a longer-term multiyear agreement is discussed and finalized.

“It was the right thing to do in order to allow for continued dialogue between the Council, the district members and the community,” said Council Chair and District 3 council member Jane Fuller. “I’m hopeful this additional time will lead to a shared vision of the future for the LSWDD.”

During the meeting, the San Juan County Council also adopted the 2025 LSWDD budget, with the knowledge that it may be reopened for revision when a new interlocal agreement is reached.

Background

The existing LSWDD interlocal agreement was set to expire at the end of 2024 after already receiving a one-year extension. San Juan County supports the progressive recycling efforts of the LSWDD and the Take-It-Or-Leave It and has no intention to take over “The Dump” or its operations.

The proposed updates to the new draft interlocal agreement have been developed to reflect the terms of San Juan County Code Chapter 8.12 and to ensure the facility’s continued compliance with County Code and state law. The proposed changes are focused on addressing safety and noise concerns at the facility, making the County’s treatment of the LSWDD site consistent with that of similar properties countywide, and supporting the managing board’s interest in expanding the TIOLI to an adjacent parcel.

Next steps

The County is eager to work with the LSWDD over the next three months to develop an agreement that is acceptable to the governing body and the managing board of the District.

Discussions will resume in early 2025.

Questions? Watch the Dec. 16 Council discussion at https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3186/files/agenda/5131.

Watch the Dec. 9 Council discussion at https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2713/files/agenda/5115.

Watch the Dec. 2 presentation to Council at https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2712/files/agenda/5095.

Read the County’s brief about the LSWDD and view presentation materials at https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31353/LSWDD-County-Council-Brief-12224.

For more information, contact Jessica Hudson, County manager, at jessicah@sanjuancountywa.gov.