SUBJECT
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Authorize County Manager for sixty (60) days to adjust rates at the North Central Landfill, as necessary, to address additional yard waste as a result of drought conditions and the recent cold snap.
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DESCRIPTION
Polk County has had extremely dry conditions that led Polk County to issue Burn Ban No. 25-02 which took effect on November 25, 2025, and there remains a high fire danger for Polk County. Due to the extended climatologically dry conditions, wooded and grassy areas near homes, businesses, and agricultural production activities are growing more combustible as the dry conditions increase with little to no rainfall. On February 9, 2026, Governor Ron Desantis issued Executive Order 26-33, which, among other things, declared a state of emergency in Polk County due to ongoing drought conditions and the elevated risk of wildfires. In addition, Polk County recently had several days of freezing temperatures from a recent cold snap creating additional yard waste which should be quickly removed from properties. Adjusting the rates at the North Central Landfill at the discretion of the County Manager will assist with addressing issues created by having yard waste remain on residential property and assist those residents who prefer to self-haul their yard waste in lieu of waiting for their regular yard waste pick-up day.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize County Manager for sixty (60) days to adjust rates at the North Central Landfill, as necessary, to address additional yard waste as result of drought conditions and the recent cold snap. Authorize the Solid Waste Division Director to create the necessary procedures and policies to implement the lowering of rates to address additional yard waste on residential property within Polk County.
FISCAL IMPACT
No Fiscal Impact.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Randy Mink, County Attorney
863-534-7679