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Board approves smart-billing change and $20 trash-fee increase for FY27
Summary
The board approved adjusting the smart-billing annual fee to $140 for FY27 (a $20 increase) to smooth future larger hikes and approved a separate $20 increase to the town trash fee for FY27; staff noted multi-year retained-earnings projections and fuel and staffing cost pressures.
The Board of Public Works approved changes to solid-waste billing aimed at smoothing multi-year cost pressures, voting June 23 to raise the annual smart-billing fee to $140 for fiscal 2027 and to increase the town trash fee by $20.
DPW staff presented multi-year projections showing retained earnings declining under current rates. The smart-billing option had previously increased the annual fee to $120 for FY26 with a planned 33% jump the following year; staff proposed a smaller $20 increase in FY27 to avoid a larger single-year shock. Tim said the increase would help maintain retained earnings above target levels without immediately raising bag fees.
Board members asked about cost drivers, including diesel fuel and health-insurance costs for employees, and urged continued monitoring of fleet-replacement schedules and landfill capacity. The board also discussed regional landfill expansion and material‑reduction technologies to extend landfill life.
The board voted to accept the superintendent’s recommendations, with motion approvals recorded by Mr. Gier and the chair.
