One notable issue discussed was the lack of formal contracts with Maryland’s Landing and WL French, which has led to confusion over the financial benefits that the town should be receiving. A representative from McDonald Industries, the company behind Maryland’s Landing, clarified that contributions to the town were voluntary and not bound by any formal contracts. These contributions have been in place since 2023, contingent upon securing necessary permits. However, the absence of written agreements has left the committee questioning the financial arrangements, especially regarding tipping fees and tonnage.

A participant highlighted the discrepancy between what was expected and what has been received, noting a quote attributed to Town Administrator Cody Haddad about a negotiated 1% fee from contaminated materials expected to generate approximately $10,000 monthly. This expectation has not materialized.

The financial implications of these operations were further scrutinized when it was revealed that WL French, while not an owner, manages invoicing and payment, leading to checks being issued from them instead of McDonald Industries. This operational shift has added to the complexities surrounding the financial dealings and prompted the committee to seek clarity on the relationship between the two entities.

Concerns were also raised about overloaded trucks managed by WL French, which reportedly exceed weight limits, possibly resulting in costly repairs for the town’s infrastructure. It was pointed out that while some funds are received from the facility, the amount is insufficient given the volume of material handled.

The conversation turned to the need for a formal contract to ensure that both parties are bound by agreed-upon terms. The historical context of the arrangement was described as originating from informal talks. Participants discussed the potential for establishing tipping fees and the necessity of consulting the town council due to state law regulations.

Exploring legal avenues was also suggested, with references made to past legal cases where towns successfully challenged similar operations based on zoning bylaws. This aspect of the discussion highlighted the potential for Halifax to seek clarity and control over the operations within its jurisdiction.

Amid these discussions, there was a consensus on the need to engage the town council to formalize the relationship with WL French and ensure the town is not left vulnerable to unexpected changes. The necessity of having “something in writing” was stressed, as the current informal agreements pose risks to the town’s financial stability.

The meeting also touched on the upcoming budget discussions, with concerns expressed about the preliminary budget presented by the elementary school, which proposed a 1.4% increase. Committee members voiced disappointment over the school’s lack of response to a request for a 10% budget cut, emphasizing the need for accountability similar to other town departments.

The committee expressed the importance of receiving timely and accurate budget figures to avoid issues experienced in previous years. There was a call for early collaboration to mitigate these issues.