Residents and councilors debate raising transfer-station fees as a local revenue source

Residents and councilors at a Little Compton meeting flagged the town’s transfer-station fee as a potential non-tax revenue source, reigniting a long-running debate over enforcement and equity.

Vincent Kennedy, who identified himself during public comment, argued the town is facing “adverse selection” at the transfer station and suggested a meaningful fee increase. “If we were to triple our fee to $15, that would be another approximately $42–$43,000 and we would still be substantially below our competitors,” Kennedy said, citing neighboring towns that charge much more. He also urged stronger compliance measures for users without stickers.

Other councilors and residents pushed for higher amounts; one councilor said simply, “I think it should be $50,” noting neighboring towns charge $50 or more and that many nonresidents use the facility. Opponents cautioned about the burden on lower-income households and seniors, asking for targeted mitigations rather than a flat steep increase.

Councilors and staff said a comprehensive review of all town fees — transfer station, building permits, inspectional services and others — would be a better long-term approach. John (finance staff) and other councilors said fee changes would typically take effect partway through the year and would not materially affect the FY27 baseline if enacted after the March 1 deadline for warrant changes. Several councilors urged a compliance-first approach: increase enforcement and reduce noncompliance before setting a new fee level.

What’s next: The council signaled support for a full, townwide fee study and greater enforcement at the transfer station; no vote to change fees occurred at this meeting.