Council backs higher transfer-station fees and doubles sticker price to preserve service days

East Hampton council members on Tuesday approved a package of transfer-station fee increases staff said are aimed at reducing the facility’s operating deficit and preserving service days.

Town staff, citing a memo from Public Works Director Matt Walsh, proposed increasing many bulky-waste disposal fees by roughly 50% and doubling the annual user sticker fee from $10 to $20. Staff estimated the changes would raise about $29,000, roughly covering a recent $24,000 cut to the station’s budget.

"In some cases, that's a pretty small impact," staff said, giving examples: a stuffed chair would move from $10 to $15, while a dump truck load would increase from $140 to $210. Staff acknowledged the town cannot weigh incoming loads at the station and said crews would continue to exercise judgment when a large trailer contains only a single small item.

Council members debated whether to act before the final town budget is settled. One member urged delaying the decision until the budget outcome is clear so the council can explore contracts with private haulers or other cost-saving alternatives; others said approving the rates now would help preserve service levels and keep the station open more frequently. Several members warned that steep price increases risk driving illegal dumping.

After discussion, a motion to raise the rates as proposed was made and seconded; the council approved the motion by voice vote. Staff said they would work on implementation details, including seasonal staffing adjustments (more open days in summer, fewer in winter) to stretch the budget while alternatives are explored.

The council did not vote on altering service days at this meeting; staff indicated that restoring days would require coordination with the Board of Finance and could depend on additional appropriations if funded by non-tax revenue sources.