WEST PARIS – In a move to make transfer station hours more convenient during Christmas weekend, selectmen Thursday approved changing the hours at the station on Dec. 25 and 26.

According to board Chairman Wade Rainey, station attendant David Billings suggested using Sunday hours on Christmas Day (Saturday) keeping the station open from 8 a.m. until noon and opening it from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26, which is the opposite of the usual weekend hours.

“David said he is willing to work on Christmas Day,” said Rainey, “but it’s probably better for people if there are longer hours the next day so they can get rid of paper and other waste they usually have piled up during Christmas Day itself.”

The board agreed with Billings’ suggestion and said they were willing to approve the change as long as Billings was willing to work.

As for Wayne Theofrastore, Billings’ assistant, the board decided it is up to him if he wishes to work Christmas Day or not.

It was also decided to continue looking into a future contract regarding the transfer station’s waste hauler. The current contract with D&E Sanitation expires the last day of this month and the board does not want to move ahead until it considers bids from D&E, ABC Rubbish and Almighty Waste.

As explained by Rainey, he has talked with all three companies but feels there needs to be more research done on cost comparisons and extent of service before a contract can be awarded.

Colleagues Jim Johnston and Bill Berney agreed and the board voted unanimously to continue discussing the issue at the next meeting on Dec. 23.

Selectmen said they are looking into possibly of joining the Oxford County Solid Waste Corp. if they see positive savings from such a move.

Thursday’s discussion is part of the board’s continuing search for cost savings that may be available to cut the current $120,000 solid waste budget before the annual town meeting next March.