The county landfill is here to serve the people. Making a “profit” is not required. Proper management and in particular cash flow management is required. Because this part of the government is run as close to a business as allowed it is classified as an enterprise fund, which is different than other government funds. With the recent addition of land from our federal government our landfill can last over 100 years. Leadership with a vision as to how this additional land can be used to improve our landfill and provide services to benefit the people of Lycoming County and our region.

A landfill is dependent upon a thriving region. More construction, growth and community waste, the more revenue. Competition includes the Wayne Township Landfill. Unless our trash haulers have all moved to Wayne Township one has to wonder what is causing problems at our landfill.

Instead of putting out headlines about the landfill not making money, has too much debt, please provide a financial report that explains the issue. If the loss you are describing includes depreciation lets take that out for discussion purposes. What else is in the “loss” you are describing?

Bond issues were probably used for opening a new field, closing a field or the leachate tank that was never completed in a useable condition. I believe that cost the county $5 million. We met with landfill management monthly to review operations. I believe former Commissioner Tony Mussare was the commissioner contact with the landfill for 12 years. Lets hear his point of view.

Lycoming County Landfill, with proper leadership, can continue to be an asset for our region. But before this is tackled you must get the county audit completed in order to have confidence in the landfill financials.

JACK McKERNAN

Former Lycoming County commissioner

Williamsport

Submitted by email