Upper Southwest Regional Solid Waste Board Meets, Approves 2025 Budget and Reports on Landfill Progress

The Upper Southwest Regional Solid Waste Management District Board of Directors convened Tuesday morning in the Nashville City Council Room for their quarterly meeting, addressing budget updates, landfill progress, and employee benefits.

Budget Report and Loan Payoff
Executive Director Mitch Noble provided a detailed financial report, noting that the landfill exceeded its 2024 budget in legal expenses, insurance for buildings and equipment, and engineering services. However, savings in salaries helped offset some of the overages. Noble also announced that the loan for the recently purchased dozer had been fully paid off.

Landfill Construction Update
Landfill Supervisor Jeff Barfield shared progress on the construction of a new landfill cell, which he reported was completed and under budget. The new cell spans five acres, is 12 feet deep, and is awaiting approval from the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment. The landfill plans to begin using the new cell by February 2025, with the current cell projected to last another six months.

Barfield also provided a status update on the landfill’s capacity, highlighting 231 viable acres for use. He reported a decline in Class 1 tonnage by 12,921 tons compared to 2023, though Class 4 tonnage increased by 343 tons.

Tire Program Update
Keith Couch, the tire program director, announced that the tire stockpile has been cleared and is now up to date.

Employee Raises and Equipment Purchase
The board approved the 2025 budget, which includes a 5% cost-of-living raise for all 22 employees and $1,000 Christmas bonuses for each staff member. Additionally, the board approved the purchase of a $33,715 GPS unit for the landfill compactor to enhance operational efficiency.

Leadership Roles Unchanged
The board voted to retain the current Executive Committee members. Jeff Brown, Mayor of De Queen, will continue as President; Brandon Ellison, Polk County Judge, remains Vice President; and Larry Dunaway, Mayor of Nashville, continues as Secretary.

The next meeting of the board is scheduled for the third Tuesday of the month of March in 2025.