Kevin Hughes

The Board of Directors held a meeting to discuss organizational updates, including the appointment of a new ex-officio board member and ongoing recruitment for governor appointees. A public hearing was conducted regarding the proposed schedule of fees for the upcoming fiscal year, leading to the approval of a new tiered commercial tip fee structure and adjustments for residential municipal solid waste. The Board also reviewed and approved the annual budget for the 2027 fiscal year, highlighting key capital projects such as equipment replacements, landfill infrastructure improvements, and facility maintenance, while addressing long-term financial projections and operational sustainability.

The board meeting agenda includes a public hearing on the schedule of fees, the adoption of the FY2027 budget, and a review of the strategic operating plan. Key discussion topics cover the execution of conservation easements required for landfill expansion, an executive director's update on operations and projects, procurement and asset contracts, and human resources updates. A financial report was also provided for review.

The Regional Solid Waste Management Plan for Southeastern Virginia outlines the strategic direction for solid waste management across its member localities. It provides an inventory and projection of current and future waste quantities, addressing existing management systems, special wastes, recycling rates, and litter control. The plan includes a needs assessment based on the waste management hierarchy—emphasizing source reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, resource recovery, and landfilling—to guide the development of an efficient, responsible, safe, and environmentally sound waste disposal system.

This Regional Solid Waste Management Plan for Southeastern Virginia provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of solid waste management for its member cities and counties. It details existing programs, facilities, and waste quantities, while projecting future needs based on population and economic growth. The plan outlines goals, objectives, and an implementation strategy following the waste management hierarchy: source reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, resource recovery (waste-to-energy), and environmentally sound disposal, including addressing special waste streams and litter control, to meet the region's long-term solid waste management needs.

The Board of Directors discussed the presentation of the FY2027 budget, including a resolution to adopt a preliminary schedule of fees and charges and to set a date for a public hearing. Updates were provided regarding strategic communications, including the rebranding of Alternative Waste Disposal to SPSA SORT and the implementation of TrashGPT. The Board received HR updates concerning public sector collective bargaining and reviewed financial reports, landfill operational summaries, and executive committee meeting minutes.