SANDPOINT — Bonner County is preparing to replace its solid waste dump sticker program with a card-based verification system, a change officials say will make it easier to confirm whether residents have paid the solid waste fee through their property taxes.  

Bonner County commissioners unanimously approved a solid waste department motion during a July 14 hearing to add a voucher system module. The module would be added to the department’s point-of-sale system, allowing the future use of a card-based system as opposed to stickers.  

For a one-time installation fee, the module is expected to cost $93,7000, with an annual subscription fee of $1,920.  

Included in the cost is the hosting system, access cards, a card programmer, programming, labeling and annual data conversion for new residents. Operations manager Melissa Gault noted during the meeting that the fees are based on current high-end market estimates and may be lower if equipment costs decrease.  

“The cards will enable site attendants to quickly verify whether customers pay the Solid Waste fee through their property taxes, allowing eligible customers to dispose of up to 3 cubic yards of household waste at no charge. Customers who do not pay the fee through their property taxes will be charged the applicable disposal fees,” Gault said.  

Gault said the transition will also allow for greater flexibility for staff working with community members who’ve lost or misplaced their cards. Unlike the sticker method, staff will be able to deactivate a lost or stolen card and issue a replacement card when necessary.  

The transition aims to provide smoother services to the community while maintaining access to the county’s dumpsites.