The Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District directors are hoping new station manager William Johnson can shed some light on their solar panel contract with ReVision Energy. During the Sept. 11 meeting, Johnson reported a review of the contract revealed a different set of details than previously reported by the former station manager.

Last year, under former director Steve Lewis' direction, one of two sets of solar panels was removed after a transfer station building was torn down. Lewis believed under the contract the district had the option to purchase contracted panels for $1 after seven years. But a review of the 45-page contract by Johnson revealed that may not be the case.

During the Sept. 11 meeting, Johnson claimed his reading along with a ReVision Energy official's opinion were that the district had an option to purchase the panels after seven years at market value. He also reported if the district removed panels prior to a 20-year contract expiration, the district was still required to pay $1,096 per quarter to ReVision Energy.

"That was false information," Johnson said regarding the district's option to purchase panels for a dollar. "We can purchase them now for $19,000 (market value) but, it's not worth putting them back up because they are inefficient."

Board member Chuck Cunningham had a different recollection of the ReVision Energy contract which the town of Boothbay also entered into nearly a decade ago. Cunningham was both a refuse director and selectman when the two parties entered into an agreement with ReVision. "I remember we had the option to purchase the panels for a $1. I think we need to contact (Boothbay Town Manager) Dan Bryer about this for clarification."

Johnson agreed to contact Bryer. He also provided a copy of the contract for Cunningham to review. Directors directed Johnson to work with ReVision and seek out less expensive options. 

On Sept. 15, Bryer reported the contract with ReVision occurred prior to his taking the job. He has reviewed ReVision's contract with the town and reported there is no option to purchase solar panels for a dollar. "I pulled the contract and found the town has an option to purchase them at market value," he said. 

In other action, directors took action against nine delinquent accounts belonging to the transfer station and Giles Rubbish. The district is sending out certified letters requesting full payment within 30 days or the matter would proceed to small claims court. 

Johnson also reported a potential Maine sales tax problem. He told directors a Cianbro official told him Giles Rubbish was required to charge sales tax on dumpster rentals. The district doesn't charge for sales tax on dumpster rentals. Directors agreed not to charge sales tax until directed to by state officials.

According to Johnson, refuse officials contacted Maine Revenue Services for direction, but the state didn't have a definitive answer. Directors requested Johnson work with board member Julia Latter in contacting a tax attorney for direction.

The board is also considering hiring a municipal attorney. Directors hired attorney Linda Yarmosh to provide legal advice during the continuing FBI investigation which began in March. Officials reported, the district pays her $300 per hour. 

Directors meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9.