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JAY — Voters approved an additional $16,500 to preserve curbside trash and recycling collection after the town’s original low bidder withdrew from the 2026-27 contract due to staffing limitations.

The special town meeting was held Monday, May 11, at the Jay Town Office. David Duguay was elected moderator, and 87 people attended the meeting, according to the posted results.

The approved transfer from the town’s undesignated fund balance allows Jay to move forward with a $226,500 contract with Somerset Disposal after Riverside Disposal withdrew its original $210,000 bid. Without the additional funding, curbside pickup would not have been available beginning July 1, according to Jay Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere.

LaFreniere said Riverside Disposal withdrew its bid after the town meeting warrant had already been signed, citing manpower constraints.

Jay then turned to Somerset Disposal, the second-lowest bidder, which agreed to provide service for $226,500. The new contract exceeds the amount previously approved for trash and recycling collection by $16,500.

LaFreniere previously said the May 11 vote was scheduled to ensure curbside collection service could be in place by the start of the new fiscal year July 1.

Under the proposed Somerset Disposal contract, residents are expected to receive weekly trash pickup and recycling collection every other week. Pickup schedules and routes have not yet been finalized.

Rebecca Richard is a reporter for the Franklin Journal. She graduated from the University of Maine after studying literature and writing. She is a small business owner, wife of 33 years and mom of eight...

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