Selectboard pushes back on reducing hours for Gilford's most used resource: the dump

GILFORD — The selectboard recently decided they would not cut the hours of the town’s transfer station, despite a request by Public Works Director Meghan Theriault.

It might not be the most glamorous conversation for a selectboard meeting, but the town’s transfer station is often touted by town leaders and residents. Town Administrator Scott Dunn said it’s likely the most used facility in town, maybe aside from the clerk’s office.

At the June 24 meeting, Theriault requested a schedule change to allow the transfer station to operate “more safely and effectively, without reducing the overall service,” and have time for her team to take care of pertinent “big picture” projects.

Her proposal was closing on Tuesdays, with staff still working, and then be open to the public Wednesday through Saturday.

“The idea of doing this is that a dedicated day would allow our staff to coordinate hauling, process the recyclables, equipment maintenance, site maintenance, and, in particular, larger projects that require dedicated time or two people,” Theriault said.

Theriault said this includes everything from regrading the rear roads and dismantling block walls, to power washing, general upkeep, and other projects that tend to be put off. She said there are many areas to upkeep, and the closure would provide safer and more efficient use.

“It’s very challenging to find time to do that kind of stuff when we’re competing with traffic,” she said.

Theriault said the discussion was ongoing at the transfer station for about a year, and she was there to gauge the thoughts of the selectboard.

Chair Chan Eddy said he was assuming things aren’t quite as busy on Tuesdays as on Saturdays. However, while Saturday is by far the busiest, Theriault said Tuesday is a close second, because it's the first day after a weekend.

“We talked about the options of whether or not to close on what we would consider a quieter day, which is Wednesday or Thursday, if I was picking a quieter day,” Theriault said. “My concern with closing on a Wednesday, or Thursday, is that the public will forever be confused.”

Closing Tuesday would allow for cleanup after the Saturday rush, including getting hauls done, repacking dumpsters, and being ready for the rest of the week, leaving four days in a row to be open. Theriault anticipated Wednesday would become the second busiest day, because it will be the first open after the weekend.

Clerk Richard Grenier asked about baling, and Theriault said the majority would likely be done on Tuesday.

“There’s a million things we could do that, then, would take away those tasks, so we could be more present, and helpful, and at the windows more,” Theriault said. “Like doing enforcement of stickers more, having a staff member down at the swap shop. That can be challenging at times.”

Currently, the transfer station doesn’t have people doing those tasks as often as she’d like, as they are trying to keep up with day-to-day operations.

Considering the popularity of the facility, Grenier expects pushback from the public if they close at all, especially Tuesday.

“If you go there Tuesday, it’s busy all day long,” Grenier said.

Vice Chair Gus Benavides said nobody loves the recycling center more than he does. The residents have paid more than $1.3 million to have access to the facility, and to restrict use for an extra day or half day is not something he sees himself voting for.

“I don’t know of any other public building that is as busy, or is as used as much, as the recycling center,” Benavides said.

Benavides said the town has created such an “incredible place” for the residents to use, and employees are all working undeniably hard. He said on Tuesdays it is the place to be, saying he went there the previous day, and couldn’t believe that all three lanes were full at 12:30 p.m.

He agreed with Grenier, saying he can’t see the residents being happy with restricted hours.

“It sounds corny to say this, but the residents love it,” Benavides said. “You see them talking to each other. They’re meeting with each other. It’s just a great place.”

Benavides said Gilford is the envy of many surrounding towns when it comes to the transfer station.

He said a few months ago, Theriault told the selectboard there was a goal to get at least 30% in recycling, and because of this, residents need to be encouraged to use the facility more, and separate properly.

“We even had a resident a few years ago who wanted it to be open on Sundays,” Benavides said. “I get it. People love it.”

Grenier said it only takes a quick drive around town to see the development going on, meaning it will be even busier in the next five years. Eddy said this will mean a need for additional staff.

Theriault said the struggle is to get big projects done, like creating extra storage, or cleaning up the roads. There isn’t time to do this unless the staff comes in for overtime, which she doesn't think is fair. Benavides said the unfortunate reality is she might have to dig into her budget.

“Staffing for next year,” Benavides said. “You increase your staff by roughly 25% if you hire just one more person.”

Benavides understands having a day where employees can work without residents there makes sense for projects, but the whole reason they are there is for the residents.

“I can’t ever see myself ever voting to restrict that, and I would encourage the board to never restrict access to that,” Benavides said.

Proposed fee changes

A public hearing will take place during the Wednesday, July 22 selectboard meeting about proposed fee changes designed to better align with disposal fees paid by the town. The last revised fee schedule was in April 2024.

This includes adjustments to demolition and tire disposal debris, electronics, propane tanks, solar panels, and fire extinguishers. In a memo to the selectboard, Theriault said the changes are based on a review of 2025 year-end data, as well as updated 2026 vendor invoices.

“The goal of this update is to better align fees with actual disposal and recycling costs while continuing to promote safe handling and proper disposal of materials,” Theriault stated.

Demolition debris, shingles, carpets and furniture are proposed to increase from $0.10 to $0.11 per pound. Small tires are proposed to be increased from $4 to $5, large tires are increasing from $5.50 to $25, and extra large tires are to be determined.

Large monitors and screens of 50 inches or greater will cost $20, and miscellaneous electronics will cost $5 for disposal.

Propane tanks would increase from $1 to $3 for one to two pounds, and 50 to 100 pound tanks would cost $20.

Fire extinguishers cost $10, and solar panels are $1 per pound, according to the proposed schedule.

“Overall, the proposed fee schedule improves cost recovery while maintaining safe and practical operations for residents and staff,” Theriault said.

If approved, the schedule will go into effect Aug. 1.