The Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District Trustees voted, 4-1, Dec. 12 to impose a 10.7% municipal request increase to local taxpayers. Trustees approved the $2,621,200 Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget with a 4-1 vote. Boothbay Harbor Trustee Julia Latter was the only dissenting vote.  The four Boothbay Region towns will pay a combined $1,887,200 for station operations in the next fiscal year which starts July 1.

Station Manager Steve Lewis reported the spending increase is due to overall rising costs at higher than expected rates, disposal fees increases and a long overdue employee pay raise.

Transfer station employees will receive a 10% pay increase. "Ten percent sounds like a lot, but we have guys working here for 10-15 years making $20 per hour. You really can't expect people to live on that if you want to keep good workers," he said.

In other action, trustees approved a policy change regarding Giles Rubbish drivers working Indigenous Peoples Day. This year, drivers didn't work Indigenous Peoples Day. Lewis reported drivers wanted to work the Monday holiday to avoid "doubling up routes" the following day. "It really makes for a long day for drivers on Tuesday," Lewis said.

Trustees were informed if drivers worked the Indigenous Peoples Day holiday, as they do on Labor and Memorial days and Fourth of July, it would cost an additional $750. "I think we can handle that," said Board Chairman Jody Lewis.

New job descriptions are being reviewed by trustees. So far, updated descriptions for truck drivers, scale operators and attendants received good reviews from trustees. The board will review foreman and manager job descriptions at a future meeting. 

Trustees meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11 in the business office.