Bay City Tribune

Matagorda County Commissioners approved a rate increase at the Matagorda County Transfer Station for the first time in 10 years during their regular meeting Monday, Oct. 27.

According to Ruben Gonzales, Matagorda County Environmental Health director, price increase will apply to all solid waste disposal fees and will be no higher than the average fee at similar transfer stations in the area.

"The fees will increase no more than a dollar or two on any one item," he said.

"And really, a lot of things have changed in ten years. It's time to increase them to at least match what everyone around us is getting."

George Deshotels, Commissioner Pct. 2, agreed that the fee increases were needed and to help defer some of the revenue shortfall that is expected from managing the transfer station without a municipal garbage customer.

"They are reasonable and customary rates," said Deshotels.

"Hopefully, we can minimize some of our losses by raising the fees."

Dan Pustka, Commissioner Pct. 1, said enough research was done prior to proposing the rate hike.

"We looked at this and it is right in line with everyone in our area," he said.

Commissioners also approved a contract with Seabreeze Landfill in Clute for the disposal of solid waste from the transfer station.

They also approved the annual lease with the General Land Office of Texas for public fishing boat ramp at Tres Palacios Bay.

The commissioners hired Holden Roofing, Inc. to repair a major leak in the roof of the County of Matagorda Office Building for $3,745.60.

During public comments, Bill Key, a Bay City resident, expressed his objections to the construction of the White Stallion Energy Center in Matagorda County.

"I think this will have adverse effects on our children and future generations," he said.

Key gave each commissioner and article about the impact of such a coal-fired energy plant to the community and asked them to consider the implications listed in the article.