Newry selectmen approve interlocal solid-waste agreement with Bethel and Hanover

The Town of Newry Selectmen voted unanimously on Feb. 18 to accept an interlocal agreement with the towns of Bethel and Hanover for the disposal and recycling of solid waste materials. Selectman Virgil Conkright moved to approve the agreement and Selectman Mandy Berry seconded; the motion passed with a unanimous vote.

The agreement was taken up under "Items for Discussion and Possible Action." Selectmen present were Gary Wight (Chairman), Virgil Conkright and Mandy Berry; staff included Town Administrator Loretta Powers, Deputy Clerk Amy R. Henley and Code Enforcement/Road Commissioner Joelle Corey.

Why it matters: the minutes record the board’s approval but do not include details of cost-sharing, term length or operational changes; the record notes only acceptance of the interlocal agreement as written.

Votes at a glance: the board recorded several unanimous motions at the Feb. 18 meeting. Warrants were signed and approved; the minutes of Feb. 4 were approved on a motion by Selectman Conkright and a second by Selectman Berry; the interlocal solid-waste agreement with Bethel and Hanover was accepted on a motion by Selectman Conkright and second by Selectman Berry; and the board approved adding Maine Employee Health supplemental life insurance for employees at no cost to the town on a motion by Selectman Berry and a second by Selectman Conkright. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m. on a motion by Selectman Berry and a second by Selectman Conkright.

Next steps: the minutes direct readers to the audio recording for full, verbatim discussion. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for March 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Town Office.