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Public Works Commission approves curbside collection discount for qualifying customers
Summary
The Concord Public Works Commission approved a curbside collection discount on Sept. 11, 2024, allowing customers who qualify for the town’s water/sewer discount to apply for half off basic curbside service. The commission closed a public hearing and approved the rate adjustment unanimously.
The Concord Public Works Commission voted Sept. 11 to approve a curbside collection discount that will give qualifying customers half off the basic curbside service fee. The commission opened a public hearing on the proposal, heard staff presentation and public comment, then approved the recommendation as described in the Sept. 6 public‑hearing memo.
Justine St. John, program analyst for Concord Public Works, said the discount is designed to mirror the town’s existing water/sewer discount: residents who qualify for the water/sewer rate assistance may apply for the curbside discount using a single application. Staff described the benefit as “half off basic service,” which will include one trash container and the town’s recycling tote. The application will be available online and in paper form and staff said they will proactively notify qualifying customers by mail and phone.
During the hearing Jeff Collins, a resident, told the commission the new automated cart sizes may increase costs for households that currently generate very little trash. Carlin Reed, a member of the Finance Committee speaking on her own behalf, urged broader outreach and cautioned staff to model participation using the town’s existing assistance programs; staff acknowledged the potential for higher take‑up than initial estimates and said they would publicize the program to qualifying organizations.
Commissioner David DeLong moved to approve the curbside collection discount as presented in the Sept. 6 memo prepared by the program analyst and issued by the public works director; the motion was seconded and received unanimous approval. Staff said they will post the application and a news notice to the town website and will assist callers who need a paper form or help applying.
The commission closed the public hearing before the motion to approve. Implementation logistics — distribution of carts, timing for the new automated trucks and details on exchanges for different cart sizes — will be handled during the October deployment and through staff FAQs on the town website.
