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Transfer station budget rises; board discusses feasibility study and potential scale partnership
Summary
Selectboard members reviewed a transfer station budget of about $1.44 million (up 2.8%), noting disposal contract increases and a possible feasibility study to explore alternative funding and a partnership to install a scale. Staff flagged high commercial hauler costs and requested $70,000 to capital reserves.
At a Feb. 24 budget workshop, Transfer Station manager Cindy told the Selectboard the department’s proposed budget is about $1.44 million, representing roughly 11% of the town budget and a 2.8% increase from the prior year.
Cindy said major cost drivers include disposal contract expenses rising from $632,600 to $667,600 (a 5.43% contract rate increase) and electricity costs increasing from $18,250 to $20,000. Payroll was expected to rise about 1%, health insurance by 12% and dental by 5%. Revenues were projected to increase by $10,000 through recyclable sales, and commercial hauler permit fees remain $350 per year while the town continues to cover tipping fees—an expense noted as a disproportionate share of disposal costs (about 75%).
Cindy and the board discussed conducting a feasibility study to explore alternative funding models and improve fairness for future budgets; the proposal includes investigating a partnership that could provide a scale (an estimate of typical cost cited in discussion was $150,000). The transfer station requested $70,000 in capital reserves for equipment or improvements.
Why it matters: disposal and contract costs are the largest drivers of the transfer station budget; changes to fee structure or installing a scale could shift costs among commercial haulers and residents. The board did not adopt a final vote at the workshop; staff will return with more detailed options and cost estimates.
