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Ellsworth raises transfer-station fees to address $300,000 operating deficit
Summary
Council approved raising annual trash stickers from $3 to $4, increasing the per-ton tipping fee from $110 to $160, setting a minimum $8 per visit (100 lbs), and requiring point-of-service payments after transfer-station staff cited a roughly $300,000 annual deficit. The motion passed 6–1.
Ellsworth City Council voted 6–1 to raise transfer-station fees as the solid waste operation runs an estimated $300,000 annual deficit that the city currently subsidizes through general revenue.
David Soper, the transfer station supervisor, told the council long-term operational costs — hauling, disposal contracts, fuel and labor — have outpaced revenue from stickers and the existing tonnage fee. "The existing sticker system and current tonnage fee structure has not kept pace with these costs," he said, explaining that low minimum charges and post-visit invoice practices create staff time and collection issues.
Under the approved change, the annual trash sticker will increase from $3 to $4. The scale tonnage fee will rise from $110 per ton to $160 per ton, and the facility will adopt a minimum point-of-service charge equivalent to $8 (or 100 pounds) for scale users. The transfer station will require payment at the point of service to reduce invoicing overhead and improve collection. Staff noted the city currently allows nonresidents to use the facility; councilors discussed future consideration of a higher nonresident rate.
Councilors framed the action as a first step while the solid waste committee and staff pursue broader options — including a potential enterprise fund, alternative collection models or insourcing services — to reach a longer-term cost-neutral model.
The motion was moved, seconded and carried 6–1. Implementation details and billing procedures will be finalized by staff.
