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Farmington plans added transfer-station staffing and recycling startup costs in 2026 budget
Summary
Selectmen and staff told the Budget Committee they plan to expand transfer-station staffing from two to three full-time positions to support a new recycling operation and budgeted an estimated $15,000 for recycling startup plus an upgraded digital scale reader; occupancy and DES items remain to be resolved before opening.
Selectmen and Interim Finance Administrator Kelly Heon told the Budget Committee the Transfer Station and new recycling facility will require increased staffing and some startup investment in 2026.
Heon said the proposal would move the Transfer Station from two to three full-time employees, increasing associated payroll and benefit costs, and that the Solid Waste Disposal budget includes roughly $15,000 in additional funds related to recycling startup and an increase in hauling costs under contract. Selectman Charlie King said final occupancy-permit issues and open items with the state Department of Environmental Services must be resolved before full operations begin.
Transfer Station foreman and Selectmen member comments indicated an upgraded digital scale reader is required by recent certification guidance; Selectman Andy Staples described an exterior digital readout that will report vehicle weights to customers. King said the initial staffing addition is budgeted but the town has had difficulty hiring, and a vacancy on staff due to medical leave makes timing uncertain.
No formal vote to modify staffing was recorded at the Jan. 28 meeting; the line items for increased personnel and recycling were presented as part of the operating and waste-disposal budgets to be considered at the Feb. public hearing.
