A proposed increase of a nearly 9% municipal request was nixed in favor of increased construction building debris fees and a smaller tax hike for members  Dec. 19 by Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District. The proposed increases result from a declining recycling market beginning in 2018. Three years ago, the district received nearly $90,000 in recycling fees, but the market has collapsed. Lewis reported now “tyou can’t even give the stuff away, and sometimes you have to pay to get rid of it.” 

Lewis’ first budget draft, reviewed by trustees Dec. 19, had no fee increases and local taxpayers would’ve absorbed approximately $108,000 more in operating expenses or an 8.78% increase. Instead, trustees proposed increasing fees on open top and shingles construction building debris by a penny per pound. In recent years, the district has taken in record amounts of CDB. In 2018, the district received a record amount with 2,328.48 tons. This year, another record was set, as more than 100 tons over 2018’s amount has already been received, according to Lewis.

For 2020, Lewis proposed a $1,348,990 budget. which is an 8.78% increase with approximately $108,000 more in spending.

Trustees are also considering raising 2020 fees for Giles Rubbish customers for dumpster rentals. For a two-yard dumpster, trustees proposed increasing fees from $4 per week to $5. The proposed increases would likely cover costs for replacing an aging collection of nearly 350 in the coming years, according to Lewis. In his Giles Rubbish initial budget draft, Lewis estimated $810,100 in total revenues and $781,843 in expenses.

Trustees meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10 in the Boothbay business office.