Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District trustees unanimously approved the $2,350,590 Fiscal Year 25 budget Jan. 11. Spending increased by $93,805, which is a 4.1% increase. Member towns will pay a combined $1,704,090 assessment which reflects a 4.86% increase. Each member’s share is based on a formula involving taxable sales, population, property valuation, and average population and valuation.

Boothbay Harbor pays the largest share at 38.85%, up from last year’s 36.79%. Boothbay’s share is 36.44%, up from 35.96%. Edgecomb’s share is 10.33%, up from 10.15%. Southport’s share is 16.38%, down from 17.1%. Boothbay Harbor pays $627,957, which is $30,088 more. Boothbay pays $620,970, which is $36,589 more. Edgecomb pays $176,033, which is $11,087 more. Southport  pays $279,130, which is $1,241 more.  

“Disposal costs are up as well as everything else. We tried keeping the budget as low as possible because we know how difficult it is, today,  for everybody to keep up with the rising cost of living,” District Manager Steve Lewis said.

In other action, trustees welcomed a new member. Amy Harkins of Southport replaces Rob Hopkins. He is leaving after 22 years of service. Hopkins also served as the district treasurer. Lewis said a replacement will be named next month. Trustees meet next at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 in the business office.