Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District trustees approved the $1,625,085 Fiscal Year 24 budget Jan. 14. The budget reflects an 8.43% increase. Station Manager Steve Lewis reported higher prices accounted for the sharp increase. “Inflation is killing us. Everything just costs more,” he said. “Our biggest factor is fuel. Our trucks burn about 100,000 gallons per year so that is where inflation is hurting us most.”

But the increase could have been higher. Lewis reported a few weeks ago, his projection was more like an 11% jump. “Wood chip revenues are now likely to be a little higher and we’re not making as many purchases, is how we are able to save money in those areas,” he said.

Boothbay Harbor is paying 36.79% of the budget or $597,869. Boothbay pays 35.96% or $584,381. Southport pays 17.1% or $277,889. And Edgecomb pays 10.15% or $164.946.

Trustees meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 in the business office.