Even though Refuse District manager Steve Lewis claimed he couldn't lift 100 pounds, trustees still approved his new job description along with one for foreman William Johnson. In the manager's job description, "it requires the ability to lift between 50 to 75 pounds and occasionally 100 pounds, and I'm not sure I can lift 100," Lewis said during the March 13 trustees meeting. Other transfer station job descriptions don't require lifting up to 100 pounds.

In other action, trustees accepted the Fiscal Year 23 audit delivered by Fred Brewer of the William H. Brewer & Company firm in Bath. He reported both the transfer station and Giles Rubbish were in good financial shape.

Trustees decided to allow employees to access one of two retirement income plans. Currently, employees are enrolled in a 457 retirement plan called Mission Square. A 457 plan is a tax-advantaged retirement savings plan for many state, local government and non-profit organization employees. 

Once the district enters into a 218 agreement with the Internal Revenue Service, employees will have a second option to join the Maine Public Employees Retirement System or remain in their current program. A 218 agreement is a written voluntary agreement between a state and the Social Security Administration to provide Social Security and Medicare Hospital Insurance or Medicare coverage for employees of local and state governments. 

Trustees also discussed the state's new, paid Family and Medical Leave Act. The newly enacted fund allows employees up to 13 weeks of paid leave. In January, trustees agreed to pay the entire 1% tax associated with the program. The new law provides employees with up to 13 weeks paid leave through payroll tax-generated revenue. But this may change; trustees discussed splitting the cost with employees later this year. 

Trustees tabled the motion and decided to propose changing the formula in June. The new proposal would require employees to contribute 0.5% to the fund, and reduce the employer's contribution from 1 to 0.5%. If enacted, the change would take place July 1.  

The district's new building's frame is up and Lewis reported the project is on schedule. Trustees meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 10 in the transfer station business office.