Board weighs rising transfer-station costs after $67,000 operating loss

Plattekill Town Board members and residents discussed the transfer station's finances after officials reported an operating loss of about $67,000 last year and continuing upward pressure from tipping fees. Board members said only a small fraction of residents use the station and expressed concern that nonresidents may be contributing to excess volume.

"Last year we lost $67,000," a board member said, noting low patron counts relative to the town's size. Residents and board members discussed options including prioritizing resident access, reviewing permit and enforcement practices, and seeking operational data from the county resource-recovery agency. The board raised the prospect of building a shelter to avoid weight discrepancies when material is wet or covered in snow and suggested visiting neighboring facilities to compare practices.

Officials asked staff to obtain financial reports and to consult Resource Recovery for options to curb costs. No formal decision to change access rules or fees was recorded in the supplied segments.