Allenstown split after selectboard vote to remove curbside trash, residents press for clearer notice and options

A contentious April 21 Allenstown selectboard meeting that drew dozens of residents centered on the board’s recent vote to end town-funded curbside trash service after voters approved a default budget.

At the meeting, a newly seated selectboard member defended the choice and urged patience, saying she had researched budget lines and intended to present a warrant article next year so voters could decide whether to restore curbside pickup. She told the board she pursues “a fresh start” and asked residents to contact her directly rather than rely on social media to interpret decisions.

Several residents said they first learned of the change from Facebook or neighbors and warned that many elderly or low-income residents would struggle to secure private curbside service or haul trash to a transfer station. “Not everybody is on Facebook,” said Vicky Vanine, a resident who identified herself and said she learned about the vote while walking her dog. Residents asked the board where they could find detailed spreadsheets and requested mailed or more direct notice for major service changes.

Fire department and police staff warned the board that cutting certain lines could reduce emergency capabilities. Eric Lambert, who identified himself as a long-time member of the fire service, told the board he had planned for a $130,000 shortfall in the fire budget and urged the selectboard to meet directly with department heads before finalizing cuts. “I never pit myself against you. I’ve worked for the past three and a half years to create an annual service to save the taxpayers money,” he said.

State Representative Matthew Petara, who attended, urged improved decorum but asked substantive questions about the $650,000 difference between the default and proposed budget and whether a special meeting had been considered to study alternatives. He recommended the board consider RSA processes for special deliberations and warned of timing constraints tied to state funding.

Town staff said keeping the transfer station partially open — accepting leaves, brush, electronics and bulk items under a revised fee schedule — would likely preserve the town’s permit and reduce illegal dumping risk, though the town would still incur some collection costs. Staff estimated continuing key services for the rest of the year could cost in the low five-figure range, and suggested revising the transfer-station fee schedule (for bulky-waste containers, TVs, refrigerators and mattresses) to offset hauling expenses.

Board members acknowledged weaknesses in public notification, discussed using tax-bill inserts or email/text alerts for future notices, and directed staff to work on clearer communication. Several residents urged a “lessons learned” exercise to improve budgeting transparency and public outreach ahead of future votes.

The board did not reverse the curbside decision at the meeting. Several members said they favored putting a citizen-sponsored warrant article on a future ballot so taxpayers can choose whether to restore the service or approve purchase of equipment needed for alternative collection models.