Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transfer Station topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wells board approves transfer‑station fee changes, keeps sticker price at $5 and schedules hearing on bag fee
Summary
After a public hearing on Nov. 19, the Wells Select Board approved changes to the transfer‑station fee schedule and adopted a $5 transfer‑station sticker policy while scheduling a Dec. 3 public hearing to consider raising bag fees. The debate focused on covering operating shortfalls and whether to phase out brush and leaves to make room for a food‑waste program.
The Wells Select Board voted Nov. 19 to adopt proposed changes to the town transfer‑station fee schedule and to keep the transfer‑station sticker price at $5 while the town studies whether to raise bag fees. The board approved the fee changes and the sticker policy after a lengthy public hearing and discussion with staff and residents.
The board’s discussion centered on how to reduce a multi‑year operating shortfall at the transfer station while balancing equity concerns for retirees and low‑income residents. Committee presenters recommended raising the mattress disposal fee to match vendor charges and phasing out brush first, then leaves and grass, to free space for a future food‑waste diversion program. The solid‑waste presentation noted contract and payroll increases and cited deficit estimates ranging from about $40,000 to larger multi‑year shortfalls.
Resident John McLeod, who identified himself as engaged in composting, encouraged the town to keep yard‑waste service and explore alternatives such as placed bins and mixed food‑waste composting that could reduce volume and cost. Fire Chief Mark Dupuy warned that eliminating municipal brush collection could increase illegal burning and demand for burn permits, a public‑safety concern the board said it would weigh.
Finance director Jody Samborn explained logistical constraints tied to plate changes and staff load in May if sticker issuance procedures are changed. Staff also said the town’s software to issue stickers online and by mail would be available quickly if the policy is adopted.
Board members and residents debated whether to raise the sticker price or increase per‑bag fees. Staff told the board that last year’s bag revenue was $384,003.84 and that modest per‑bag increases could materially reduce the shortfall; however, changing bag prices requires notice to the bag vendor and lead time to implement. To give residents more opportunity to comment on bag fees, the board scheduled a public hearing for Dec. 3, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Littlefield Room to consider bag‑fee increases.
A motion to close the transfer‑station fee public hearing and grant the committee’s recommended changes carried (vote recorded in the minutes). Later the board made and approved a motion to adopt the sticker policy at $5 for the coming year; the board emphasized it would revisit fees if needed. The board asked staff to form a committee and return with more detailed cost and implementation plans before phasing out services.
The board’s actions leave in place an outreach and education component: residents and staff repeatedly urged a public‑education campaign before any transition to food‑waste or bag‑fee changes. The town also committed to exploring public‑private partnerships to secure long‑term disposal options for brush and yard waste.
