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Board approves $20 increase to Dartmouth 'smart billing' annual solid-waste fee for FY27
Summary
To shore up retained earnings and avoid a larger single-year hike later, the Board of Public Works voted to raise the annual smart-billing solid-waste fee from $120 to $140 for FY27, with a multi-year projection guiding the decision.
The Dartmouth Board of Public Works on June 23 approved a $20 increase to the annual "smart billing" solid-waste and recycling fee for fiscal 2027, raising the charge from $120 to $140.
DPW staff presented the phase-two rate study showing retained earnings trending downward under prior assumptions and proposed smoothing increases to avoid a steeper jump later. The superintendent walked the board through multi-year projections and recommended a 16.6% increase for FY27 instead of a deferred 33% spike the following year. "An increase in FY27 of 16.6% rather than a 33% next year, I think, would be more palatable and would bring retained earnings up a little bit," the presenter said.
Board members asked about drivers, including diesel fuel and employee costs, and discussed whether the consultant should model additional smoothing options. Mr. Gagne urged continued scrutiny of long-term assumptions, including the effects of fuel and insurance costs on fixed expenses. After discussion, Mr. Gagne moved to set the FY27 smart billing rate as recommended; the board voted in favor.
The fee change was approved as part of a broader rate study by the Department of Public Works and will be reflected in the FY27 billing schedule.
