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Ludlow transfer station reports lower permit revenue; staff flags aging tractor and staffing needs
Summary
Transfer Station manager Pattie Potter told the Select Board that FY26 permit revenue dipped but vendor changes and equipment scrap have boosted income; she described a 25‑year‑old tractor and requested consideration of new equipment.
Transfer Station department head Pattie Potter told the Select Board that permit sales for FY26 are down but that recent operational changes boosted revenue, including changing cardboard vendors and scrapping an old machine. Potter said the operation sells roughly 1,910 residential permits and that commercial permits are about equal to residential totals.
Potter described equipment constraints and maintenance issues: “My tractor is about 25 years old and originally duck taped the hoses,” she said, noting the highway department helps with heavy work. Board members asked whether a tractor or backhoe purchase would be appropriate and requested year‑over‑year permit reports; Noah Schmidt asked for a department-by-department budget view to clarify metrics. Potter said she has implemented some safety fixes recommended by the town insurer and will continue to seek more favorable scrap and metal vendor arrangements.
Board members flagged potential service impacts if Route 100S is closed for Clark Bridge repairs and asked staff to analyze contingency plans and equipment needs for FY27. Potter said she covers sorting infrastructure but asked to repair a hole in the main building before winter.
