Commissioners, Republic Services revisit landfill dispute

Clark County commissioners and Republic Services on Tuesday failed to make progress as they analyzed why $36 million isn't enough to fix the troubled Sunrise landfill, and why some ratepayers might have to pitch in an additional $29 million for the work.

Commissioners voted 4-2 to have staff do more research, including how to craft a possible surcharge on trash pickup.

Those representing the Florida-based waste hauler contend that the Environmental Protection Agency added to the costs by demanding more monitoring at the site.

Whatever contributions are made by the county, it will get the 1,100-acre former landfill after it has been fixed and permanently sealed, said Bob Coyle, the company president.

Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani argued that the company has recouped its costs many times over through profits made while doing business in the county. She unsuccessfully pushed for an immediate vote on whether customers should pay a surcharge.