New Boston board approves fee updates, adds 50¢ diesel surcharge at transfer station

The New Boston Select Board approved a revised town fee schedule after a public hearing in which staff explained measures to offset rising tipping and trucking costs.

Jerry, a transfer-station staff member, told the board the diesel surcharge “was originally put in to help cover the costs of rising tipping trucking fees,” and recommended increasing the surcharge from 25¢ to 50¢ per transaction. He said the change would apply to items that go over the scale, specifically demolition materials and mattresses, and that mattresses would be charged 50¢ per transaction as well.

Board members and residents pressed staff on the scope and timing. Jerry said the town will not apply the surcharge to electronics, refrigerators, or propane tanks until vendors begin explicitly charging diesel surcharges; “I still don't have word back from our solid waste company,” he said, noting staff will return with updates if vendor rates change.

The board and staff also clarified disposal rules after the cancellation of a hazardous-waste day. Jerry said only fully dried latex paint may be accepted as demolition waste; wet paint will incur a $15 surcharge per can. He explained how small loads are charged, noting a certified scale minimum (about 38 pounds), a $5 minimum fee for very small loads, or 15¢ per pound for demolition items.

Chair (speaker 2) opened the hearing and, after discussion and public questions about packet references to 25¢, moved to approve the fee schedule as revised; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff said the green-highlighted items in the packet were the proposed changes and that they will post clear instructions on the town website and update a quick-start guide for residents.

What happens next: staff will monitor vendor pricing and return to the board if tipping/trucking costs rise further. The board also said it may revisit the surcharge if necessary.