Waterville Valley Select Board Discusses Solid Waste Fees and Infrastructure Updates - July 23, 2025
On July 23, 2025, the Waterville Valley Select Board held a regular meeting to address several key issues, including a public hearing on proposed solid waste fee changes, infrastructure updates, and town committee operations. The meeting, chaired by the board, featured robust public input and discussions on financial and operational matters impacting the community.
Solid Waste Fee Proposal Sparks Debate
The primary focus of the meeting was a public hearing on a proposed $10 per quarter increase in solid waste fees for residential units with access to 24/7/365 dumpsters, such as those at condominiums refer to discussion. The board explained that the proposal aims to address perceived inequities, as residents without constant dumpster access pay the same $60 per quarter rate despite limited transfer station hours. The sentiment emerged from a March meeting where the board noted complaints about fairness, leading to the formation of a solid waste working group that recommended the $10 increase refer to discussion.
Public reaction was mixed, with several residents voicing concerns. A private citizen from Black Bear Lodge, called the proposal “discriminatory,” arguing that it imposes additional costs without enhanced services and that private dumpster services could be cheaper refer to discussion. Another resident, suggested rebating fees for those without 24/7 dumpster access, estimating the $40 annual increase per condo unit could generate a $40,000 “tax revenue windfall” for the town refer to discussion. A resident representing Black Bear Lodge, questioned how the additional revenue—estimated at $40,000–$45,000—would be used and requested greater transparency, noting the absence of municipal solid waste committee agendas and minutes on the town website refer to discussion.
The board clarified that the revenue would offset municipal solid waste costs, which in 2024 resulted in a $144,000 deficit covered by taxes refer to discussion. They emphasized that the goal was fairness, not revenue generation, and acknowledged public concerns by scheduling a follow-up hearing, likely on August 6 at 6 p.m., to allow more input [refer to discussion](https://youtu.be/Sj7OjIgpWpg?t=169]. No final decision was made, reflecting the board’s commitment to further deliberation.
Infrastructure and Committee Updates
The board also addressed ongoing infrastructure projects and committee operations. They noted improvements to village trails and the pedestrian culvert at the bottom of Snow’s Mountain Road, coordinated with the local resort refer to discussion. Additionally, the board discussed the reclassification of a town dam from “significant” to “high” hazard by state authorities, increasing annual licensing fees from $1,200 to $6,000 and requiring an emergency action plan refer to discussion. The board plans to appeal this reclassification, arguing it overstates risks based on worst-case scenarios refer to discussion.
Concerns were raised about the municipal solid waste committee’s lack of transparency, with no agendas or minutes posted online despite its formation two years ago to address landfill and recycling issues refer to discussion. The board committed to investigating this issue. Separately, they reviewed the town’s cemetery, noting it is at 65% capacity, up from 20% five years ago, prompting discussions on space-saving measures like allowing cremation urns refer to discussion.
Community and Transparency Concerns
Residents expressed frustration over the timing of the public hearing, which some found inconvenient, and the perceived lack of transparency in town operations. The board acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing their intent to hold additional hearings and improve communication. Discussions also touched on the town’s $7 million budget, with residents questioning the need for additional fees given the budget’s stability refer segmentation.
The meeting concluded with plans to continue addressing these issues, including the solid waste fee proposal and infrastructure challenges, at future meetings, with a focus on enhancing transparency and public engagement.