Village Proposes Annual $20 Fee for Access to Brush Grinding Site

The Village of Jackson is considering a new annual fee for residents who use the local waste disposal site. During the recent Board of Public Works meeting, officials discussed the proposal to implement a $20 fee for access cards, which are currently free for new property owners. This fee aims to help offset the village's annual expenses of approximately $15,000 for grinding materials brought to the site.

Currently, there are about 750 access cards in circulation, but it's unclear how many are actively used. Some residents expressed concerns about being charged for a card they may not utilize. The proposal includes a plan to deactivate all cards at the end of the year, requiring residents to pay the fee to reactivate their access in the spring.

One resident raised a valid point about the potential for misuse if residents feel the fee is unjustified, suggesting that some might choose to dispose of waste improperly rather than pay for access. The discussion highlighted the need for a balance between maintaining the site and ensuring residents feel the fee is reasonable and necessary.

As the village moves forward with this proposal, officials will need to consider community feedback and the implications of the fee on waste disposal practices. The decision will be crucial in managing the village's resources while encouraging responsible waste management among residents.