Select Board adopts higher transfer-station fees; long debate ensues over demolition services and buying a scale

Public works staff presented a revised transfer-station fee schedule and explained it was intended to better align visible charges with the town’s actual disposal and hauling costs. Under the update, most tires will be a flat fee, appliances that contain Freon will carry a higher charge, mattresses and box springs will be $30, and bulky or demo items will be charged by truck-body size or a linear-foot trailer rate. The board voted to accept the new prices.

Staff explained the town lacks a working scale, which makes fee accuracy difficult. Board members considered three approaches for the ballot: keep demo and adjust fees; remove demolition services (which would shift disposal responsibility to residents); or ask voters to fund a weigh-scale (staff estimated purchase and site work could cost roughly $120,000–$130,000). Members discussed site constraints (placement, soil/cap issues), voter information needs, and the risk of driving illegal dumping if services were removed without alternatives.

A select-board member summarized the practical approach: adopt the new fee schedule to reduce this year’s shortfall, keep demolition services for now, and ask staff to return with scale-site cost estimates and recommended warrant language if a ballot question is to be pursued. The board approved the fee changes and directed staff to prepare signage and outreach for the change in effective date.