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Selectmen revert back to old dump fees
Banner Daily Update posted Thurs. July 19
By Derek Burritt
Banner Staff
EASTHAM—Reality set in for selectmen Wednesday afternoon during a work session at Town Hall where they faced questions surrounding their illegal vote Monday to change transfer station fees to include an annual $10 recycling sticker.
According to Assistant Town Administrator Sheila Vanderhoef, the proposed fee schedule may only be voted into effect after a public hearing, scheduled for Aug. 6. However, due to a “miscommunication,” word reportedly came down from selectmen to acting DPW superintendent Marty Mickles that in the interim the transfer station should revert to the previous practice of letting in for free anyone who wants to recycle or visit the Swap Shop.
Vanderhoef clarified that the current policy is still in effect, meaning only those with transfer station stickers may enter the facility without paying $10. This may only be changed at a public hearing Aug. 6.
However, after Wednesday’s meeting, the board appeared to lean towards making any fee schedule changes that may happen effective next year. The major issue that blindsided selectmen is the number of residents who purchased $70 transfer station stickers just to recycle and now want $60 refunded along with the proposed recycling sticker.
“We made a decision too quickly without thinking of all the things involved,” Chair Linda Burt said.
Town accountant Diane Rommelmeyer expressed concern to the board Wednesday that currently there isn’t any protocol attached to the proposed recycling stickers, particularly with regard to the uprising of residents who want refunds. Rommelmeyer, Mickles and town treasurer Joan Plante had all been contacted since Monday’s meeting about getting a refund.
“The books for 2007 are closed. That money cannot be refunded because that goes into the general fund,” said Rommelmeyer.
Burt admitted that the board had “jumped the gun” in its effort to address complaints from residents who believe the current fee schedule is “unfair” and “extravagant.” Burt went on to say “it certainly would make more sense to leave it as is until next year.”
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Jul 19th, 2007