Millis board approves higher transfer-station fees after public hearing

The Millis Select Board unanimously voted May 18 to raise several transfer-station fees after an official public hearing on the proposed FY27 changes.

DPW Director Dave presented the adjustments, saying the town has been "upside down" for some time because trash-disposal tipping fees and fuel costs have risen. He proposed raising annual resident permits by $10, increasing senior permits by $10, adding up to $10 for lost or replacement permits, increasing bag fees by $0.10 and raising special disposal fees for items such as mattresses and large appliances. "We're currently getting $25 [for mattresses], and it to get rid of them, it cost more than double that," Dave told the board, describing a new vendor option that would accept appliances containing refrigerant and offer a townwide pickup service.

Public commenters and board members expressed concern about affordability and questioned whether a townwide curbside pickup model would be preferable. Resident and union representative Scott Fusey urged the board to recognize the increase was deserved given McCall’s and DPW staff efforts and acknowledged that residents may have fewer affordable private options; other residents suggested researching how neighboring towns manage trash services. Board members noted private curbside pickup could shift cost burdens into the general tax base.

After closing the hearing, the board approved a detailed schedule of fee changes to take effect July 1, 2026: annual resident permit $100; resident (62 and older) $45; replacement permit $20; electronics $30 (limit two per day); large items $50; bulky rigid plastics $30; new air conditioner or refrigerator $50 each; and updated bag/pricing tiers as presented. The motion passed by voice vote.

The DPW director said the increases, combined with the new vendor arrangement, will allow the transfer station to operate without losing money on bulky-item disposal and will give the town a vendor-managed pickup option "once or twice a year" if the board decides to offer it.

The board also reviewed a DEP-requested language change tied to a permit renewal and voted to sign a sustainable purchasing policy that staff said will help meet updated procurement expectations.

Next steps: the new fee schedule goes into effect July 1, 2026, and DPW staff will continue vendor contract negotiations and provide implementation details to residents as those arrangements are finalized.