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Date: 5/4/2023
SOUTHWICK — The Select Board increased the yearly transfer station permit fee during its April 24 meeting to offset the town’s increasing waste-handling costs.
“I don’t enjoy doing this, but all taxpayers need to pay a share [of it],” said Select Board Chair Russell Fox about raising the annual rate.
Public Works Director Randy Brown proposed the increase. He reminded the board that in late March it approved a new contract with its trash hauler K&W Materials & Recycling of West Springfield that increased the cost per ton from $86 to $96.
Brown said the town’s Solid Waste Division continues to operate at a deficit, estimated to be about $40,000 for the fiscal year that starts on July 1.
“There is a large gap between what is generated [in revenues] and the cost to operate,” Brown said.
He suggested a 19% increase in the current transfer station permit, which is $140 for residents, and $80 for senior citizens, to $165 and $94, respectively.
While board members spent several minutes considering different rates to try and reach the suggested 19% increase, eventually they adopted Brown’s proposal, but added $1 to the proposed $94 rate for senior citizens.
Brown said the number of permits issued annually are split just about evenly between regular ones and senior citizens.
He also reported the cost to dispose of mattresses is increasing from $15 to $25 and to dispose of a single used tire will go up from $5 to $10.
“Everything is going up,” Brown said, adding that residents do have the flexibility to visit the transfer station four days a week, and it also offers a recycling option.
That prompted board member Doug Moglin to add: “We strongly encourage everyone to recycle.”