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Cushing selectmen hear regional recommendation to adopt pay‑as‑you‑throw after transfer‑station scale savings
Summary
A Waldoboro transfer‑station representative told Cushing selectmen that new scales and a three‑town Pay‑As‑You‑Throw plan have reduced trash by about 1,000 tons and could lower local taxes; selectmen asked for town‑specific cost checks before taking action.
Cushing Selectmen on Aug. 22 heard a recommendation from the three‑town committee that the region adopt a Pay‑As‑You‑Throw (PAYT) program after transfer‑station scale changes produced sizable reductions in trash volumes.
Monika Magee, Waldoboro Transfer Station Committee Representative, handed the board a condensed version of the presentation shown to the Waldoboro Select Board and said the committee projects “significant savings” if PAYT is adopted. Magee reported that since the new scales were installed there has been a reduction of about 1,000 tons of trash and a corresponding reduction in transport and tipping fees to PERC, the regional processing facility.
The recommendation would shift some disposal costs from property tax to user fees by requiring purchase of designated bags and could produce further tax relief if residents increase recycling. Selectman Martha Marchut summarized that savings would come from a combination of individuals paying for bags and a true reduction in taxes if recycling rates improve.
Selectman Daniel Staples questioned why the committee's figures show lower costs overall for the region but an apparent increase for Cushing in FY17. Magee and Marchut said they would check the town‑level numbers and report back; Staples said he planned to attend the committee meeting to press for clarification. No formal vote or policy change occurred at the Aug. 22 meeting.
The board also discussed related operational questions, including the accuracy of scale‑based reporting for each town and the allocation of transport and tipping fees. Next steps: committee members will verify town‑specific projections, and a follow‑up will be scheduled if Cushing‑specific savings can be confirmed.
