Voters Reject Proposed Enterprise Fund for Recycling Transfer Facility After Heated Debate
Key Points
- Proposal to run the RTF as a self-sustaining business entity was rejected by voters.
- Debate centered on financial transparency and recent sticker fee hikes.
- Defeat means the RTF will continue to be funded through the general fund budget.
In the most contentious vote of the night, Article 6 was defeated, halting a plan to move the Recycling Transfer Facility (RTF) into an enterprise fund. The proposal aimed to run the facility like a business, using its own revenues from stickers and fees to cover operating costs and capital investments. DPW Director Brian Joyce noted that sticker prices recently increased from $75 to $150 to help balance the budget, and a pilot program for out-of-town stickers was planned to generate additional revenue.
Opponents of the measure, including Dan Tarpie and Owen Barry, argued that the proposal was based on a "false narrative" regarding the RTF's financial health. They expressed concern that the enterprise fund would lack transparency and that the RTF was being unfairly separated from the general fund. Leonor Jenkins suggested a revolving fund instead, though the Moderator ruled that motion out of order. After a voice vote proved too close to call, a hand count was conducted, resulting in the article's defeat.
Motion: Move that the Town vote to establish an Enterprise Fund for the Recycling Transfer Facility effective July 1, 2026.
Vote: Failed 106-133