Waldoboro voters overwhelmingly rejected the pay-as-you-throw method of waste disposal in a local referendum on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The vote was 1,868-904 against pay-as-you-throw.
Under the pay-as-you-throw method, users of the Waldoboro Transfer Station would pay for the garbage they bring to the station on a per-bag basis. Advocates say the method encourages recycling, which would reduce the transfer station’s budget for the transportation and disposal of waste. Advocates also said the method would reduce the station’s reliance on property taxes and create a more equitable system, as users would pay for their own trash only.
But opponents have said it would increase the amount of improper garbage disposal in Waldoboro.
Bond question
In addition to the pay-as-you-throw measure, Waldoboro voters cast ballots on a $25 million bond to replace the Mid-Coast School of Technology in Rockland. Waldoboro voters favored the measure, 1,680-1,064.
Voters throughout Region 8, which includes 19 communities, will vote on the bond issue. With 12 of 19 voting municipalities reporting, the yes vote leads 15,187-6,990.
If voters approve the 20-year bond, Waldoboro would see an estimated debt payment of $151,322 a year, which would cause a $0.308 change to the mil rate, translating to an estimated yearly cost of $30.80 per $100,000 of assessed property value.
