Shutesbury Speeds Up Trash Contract Bidding Process
Finance Committee · Meeting of September 29, 2026
Shutesbury Finance Committee moves up its new trash-hauling RFP and warns carts could cost up to $140,000. Recycling Coordinator Meryl said haulers want the request for proposals issued by April 2027, six months earlier than planned, forcing the town toward a town meeting warrant article funded by free cash, an override or a debt exclusion. Member Frank warned "there will be riots in the streets" without continued service; a resident survey found 98 percent want curbside pickup kept.
Separately, the committee pegged annual PFAS mitigation costs at roughly $172,000, combining a $106,000 Tighe & Bond consulting contract with $58,000 to $66,000 in added lab and filter costs. A tense exchange between Town Administrator Haley and member Susie Mosher over who controls budget-letter timing — "I've asked to talk to you and you've ignored me," Haley said — pushed the committee to schedule a role-definition discussion for October 5. Members also set a 30-minute special meeting for Thursday to vote on special town meeting warrant articles ahead of a Friday posting deadline.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,755 words
Source: the Finance Committee meeting of September 29, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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