The proposed trash compact with Readfield and Wayne is up for an initial public hearing 7 p.m. Monday at Fayette Central School.
“The focus is whether or not Fayette should become a partner in the operation of the Readfield/Wayne Transfer Station with Readfield and Wayne,” said Town Manager Mark Robinson.
He said residents will be provided with information about the proposed tax impact which is estimated to be 25 cents for $1,000 worth of property valuation.
Fayette’s current property tax rate is $15.50 for each $1,000 in assessed value.
“They have to weigh the balance of convenience versus cost if we become a partner,” Robinson said.
Fayette selectmen have recommended the contract language of the partnership agreement, but the decision to join is up to those who vote at a special town meeting April 3.
If they vote to join, Fayette residents would no longer need to hire a private hauler because they themselves could bring the trash to the transfer station, which is located in Readfield.
The town has been a customer of the Readfield-Wayne Transfer Station since July 1, 2016, paying about $40,000 in disposal and access fees to the Readfield/Wayne station. Fayette previously paid the town of Jay $39,000 in annual tipping and disposal fees, but then Jay announced it was closing its transfer station to outsiders.
Fayette residents contract for $25 per month to have their trash picked up by one of three private haulers: Archie’s, of Mexico; J & A Disposal, of Jay; and Fran Trask, of Manchester. Partnership would allow Fayette residents to continue with that or to take their trash to the transfer station themselves.
If residents reject the partnership plan, Robinson said, the town would negotiate a contract with either the Waste Management facility at Norridgewock or Mid-Maine Waste Action Corp. in Auburn.
Then the town would have to decide how to deal with recyclables, Robinson said, adding that currently they go to ecomaine in Portland.
That would leave the problem of disposal of bulky waste, which includes appliances and mattresses.
A second public hearing on the proposed partnership agreement is set for March 27, just a week prior to the open vote.
Betty Adams — 621-5631
Twitter: @betadams
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