06:03The meeting began with a discussion about the need for a new triage contract to manage the town’s trash and recycling programs. Two primary options were on the table: a “pay as you throw” system and a flat fee model akin to the one used in Dunstable. A participant elucidated that the board had previously voted for a system involving purple bags as part of a flat annual fee, a proposal that did not receive support from the selectmen. The Dunstable model, which combines a flat fee with specific limits on trash and recycling, was considered as a potential alternative. This model allows for overflow bags and does not invalidate previously purchased bags, presenting a financially self-sustaining option.

17:53A concern emerged about the town’s financial strategy after a failed ballot override, which would have included funding for trash collection in the town budget. A member noted that the town needed to determine a viable financial path forward, with the possibility of creating an enterprise fund to manage trash collection responsibilities. However, the establishment of such a fund would require a town meeting vote, which was not feasible at the time due to its absence from the current warrant.

The discussion revealed that Townsend’s current contract for waste management, which ends on June 30, posed another challenge. The board debated the feasibility of extending the contract for another year, with cost estimates per barrel ranging from $50 to $90, but the notion of a one-year extension remained unconfirmed. Concerns about purple bags and potential new fees were voiced, highlighting the existing system’s complexity and the need for clearer communication with residents.

16:51Grant funding opportunities were also addressed. A “pay as you throw” program could bring an additional $11,000 to the town if the program maintained grant eligibility. However, the town would need to participate for two years to access the total potential revenue of $62,000, or risk losing unutilized funds.

Public education emerged as a crucial component in transitioning to a potential townwide trash system. A gradual shift to a full fee structure was suggested to avoid alienating residents. There was a proposal to consult with the town moderator about introducing an amendment to the budget motion to create a revolving account, leveraging existing funds while seeking guidance from the finance committee on service-based solutions.

29:50Participants discussed the practicality of implementing a sticker program to identify paid trash, with annual fees ranging from $125 to $150. This program, which would include unlimited recycling, was seen as a straightforward approach that minimized enforcement issues. The idea was to use UniPay, a system effectively utilized by the recreation department, for managing trash fees, thus avoiding overwhelming administrative burdens on town staff.

33:32The finance committee’s perspective was also considered, supporting the sticker program as the most viable option and noting the necessity of increasing household participation to reduce fees. The committee had prepared an alternate budget incorporating a municipal trash component within the tax levy, indicating flexibility in future budgeting, especially if additional funding became available.

41:45The board acknowledged the importance of broader participation, as a larger participant base would contribute to lowering the fee. A reevaluation of the motion to maintain the current trash contract while allowing for the establishment of a revolving account funded by bag revenues was proposed, emphasizing the need for final decisions by the voting members.