Boothbay Region Refuse District directors are considering a new policy for dealing with past due accounts. On Feb. 14, Station Manager Steve Lewis proposed placing liens on customers with large unpaid balances. Lewis reported Giles Rubbish, Inc. had two customers with 90-day past due accounts. One account owes approximately $4,000, according to Lewis.

So the directors are considering setting a policy. For small balances, the district would pursue action in small claims court. For larger balances, they would place a lien on customers’ property.

“I don’t ever imagine doing this, but it would be a tool in the tool box,” Lewis said. Directors asked Lewis what actions he has taken with the delinquent customers. Lewis explained he tried several times contacting the client unsuccessfully. Lewis and board chairman Gary Farnham will contact an attorney about drafting a policy which directors would consider at a future meeting.

In other action, Lewis recommended another change. He wants a more uniform policy in billing Giles customers. Currently, the standard pickup rate is for four garbage bags. For pickups with more than four bags, the driver assesses an additional fee. Lewis wants management to set prices for additional bags. “It makes for a  more uniform policy. Right now, it’s up to the driver to charge regarding a big or small bag. They all charge a different amount. So I recommend drivers write down what is picked up, and the front office determine the charge,” he said.

The transfer station needs four new municipal solid waste cans. Lewis proposed buying them for $33,320. But he is concerned about paying for the new equipment. The station’s recycling revenue is significantly lower than past years and the district is waiting on municipal payments from its four members. So Lewis is concerned about cash flow. The directors proposed ordering all four cans and scheduling staggered delivery and payment periods. Directors want to pay for two cans in April and the remaining two in May. Lewis will contact the supplier to see if a staggered delivery and payment agreement could be reached.

Directors will meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 14 in the business office.