Spokane County seeks volunteers for solid waste oversight committee

A newly expanded committee that will review potential rate changes at Spokane County-operated transfer stations has openings for interested residents.

The Spokane County Solid Waste Advisory Board, which was expanded in November, is accepting applications from private citizens. One resident from each of the three Spokane County commissioner districts will be appointed to serve on the board, which meets from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month at the Spokane County Water Reclamation Facility, 1004 N. Freya St.

Bill Wedlake, the county’s Solid Waste manager, said the expansion of the board represents a renewed effort to collect input from all members of the regional system.

“We’re basically starting from scratch,” Wedlake said.

The board is tasked with reviewing proposed rules and ordinances at the county’s three transfer stations before they are forwarded to county commissioners. Spokane County assumed control of the regional solid waste system in November 2014.

Members will likely be asked to review upcoming rate changes at the transfer stations, Wedlake said. The county is waiting to make a proposal until it has an advisory panel to review its recommendation.

“We’re not even proposing a rate increase yet,” Wedlake said. “When we set up the system, we agreed to be as transparent as possible.”

The county is also looking for a representative from the waste industry, recycling industry, business community and an at-large public interest appointee. All applicants will be reviewed by Spokane County commissioners.

Members are appointed to four-year terms. Commissioners expanded the board to include representatives from all local governments that opted in to the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System. Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake are not members of that system.

Those interested in applying should contact Ginna Vasquez, the clerk of the Board of Spokane County Commissioners, at (509) 477-2265. Technical questions should be directed to Bill Wedlake, the county’s solid waste manager, at (509) 477-7281.

Fair and Expo Advisory Board also seeks applicants

Two vacancies on the Spokane County Fair and Expo Advisory Board will be filled in February.

The eight-member panel is tasked with reviewing rules and budget issues for the annual Spokane County Interstate Fair and the fairgrounds at 404 N. Havana St.

The group meets the second Wednesday of every month, at 7:30 a.m. at the fairgrounds. Applications will be accepted by Vasquez through Feb. 1.