A motion was passed to accept an amended proposal by Waste Management during a special meeting of the Harlan County Fiscal Court on Monday.

A rate increase of $3.01, effective Jan. 1, 2006, for Waste Management's transfer station was approved by the fiscal court. Also approved was a 3 percent increase each year thereafter, from January 2007 to January 2009.

A fuel surcharge or any other increase, however, will not be permitted for the life of the contract, which begins Jan. 1, 2006, Harlan County Judge-Executive Joe Grieshop said.

Grieshop said the increase approval of $39.25 for 2006 was "a compromise down from $42," which was the initial request.

Also, the price of $39.25 does not include the state-mandated price of $1.75 per ton, he said.

David Bradley, public sector representative with Waste Management, said the request was the result of "an economic situation." The transfer station, he said, has not requested such an increase since 1999, which has caused the station financial hardship.

"This (increase) will get us to where we need to be," Bradley said.

Bradley said he felt the final resolution was a fair one.

"I'm in complete agreement," he said.

In other action at the meeting, a property deed was accepted from Jeff and Sharon Staggs. Judge Grieshop was authorized to sign any and all documents pertaining to the property near Lakeview along U.S. 119. The property, Grieshop said, was purchased as a river entrance point to be used for cleaning and boating purposes.

The fiscal court's next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. in the Fiscal Court Conference Room of the Harlan County Courthouse.