SOLID WASTE & TRANSFER STATION
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:
REVENUE CHANGES:
Revenue from recycling sales is expected to increase slightly for FY 24. Wastewheelers and dumpster parts are sold to the public, and it is anticipated that $25,200 will be collected from this effort. Solid Waste collection fees charged to establishments requiring trash collection more than five times per week are anticipated to increase to $70,000. Bulk collection fees for the collection of one item and the collection of up to three items were last increased in FY 23. It is anticipated that bulk collection revenue will increase $11,000.
PERSONNEL CHANGES:
The FY 24 budget includes funding for twenty-one full-time positions, the same number of positions since FY 15. Full-time wages include a step increase effective January 1, 2024. In addition to the full-time positions, there are sixteen seasonal positions in this division. One year-round, part-time Solid Waste Worker II position was added in FY 23, and two additional part-time, year-round positions were added in FY 24. Part-time salaries and wages reflect the increase in wages for Solid Waste Worker II positions to $19.57/hour. Overtime costs increase $3,000. Contributions for retirement and worker’s compensation increase. Unemployment and health insurance estimates decrease in FY 24. No allocation has been made for retiree health (OPEB).
CHANGES IN OPERATIONS:
Contracted Services includes building and equipment maintenance costs, travel and training, communications and dues. Overhead door repairs have been funded at $15,000 and replacement of a fire sprinkler dry valve has been funded at $9,000. Rental of a grapple truck has been funded for the annual spring cleanup. Transport/Tipping Fees reflects the contract with Covanta, our waste contractor. In FY24, the price per ton will increase to $92.46 in January 2024. The contract was renegotiated in FY 22 and has been budgeted at $3,052,210; an increase of $74,510 over FY 23. The estimated number of tons to be transported was increased by 500 tons, resulting in an additional cost of $46,230 and a total of 34,000 tons. Supplies and Materials includes $12,500 for the purchase of five front-end containers. Three 55-gallon containers of bulk motor oil have been included at a cost of $2,860. Other items funded include 250 trash barrels and ten 300-gallon trash containers. Phase 1 of a 3-year project to replace the trashcans at the Town’s bus stops has been funded at $20,000. The total cost to complete the project is estimated at $70,000. Vehicle Supplies and Repair is the second major expense category in this division. Fuel costs are expected to increase $45,193 from the amount budgeted in FY 23. Vehicle maintenance costs are projected to increase slightly for FY 24. Allocations for IT Services, radio equipment lease, vehicle lease and insurance decrease. A replacement truck loading scale was funded at $80,000 in FY 23, but no capital outlay has been funded in FY 24. One side-load trash truck and a roll off garbage truck have been included in Vehicle Trust at a cost of $535,000.