KENNEBUNK — Many towns throughout York County have worked out agreements with Maine Energy Recovery Company in Biddeford after delivering less than their guaranteed annual tonnage for trash disposal in 2008, according to Maine Energy General Manager Ken Robbins. The town of Kennebunk was short about 2,600 tons last year ”“ according to Maine Energy’s records ”“ which amounts to about $170,000 in lost revenue for the trash-to-energy company.
“There are exceptions,” said Kennebunk Town Manager Barry Tibbetts this week.
Tibbetts said according to the contract with Maine Energy, the town is exempted from its guaranteed annual tonnage for increased recycling or businesses closures. From 2003 to 2008, commercial waste in Kennebunk decreased by about half, according to Tibbetts. Residential waste also decreased slightly due to a pay-as-you-throw program instated in town.
The town of Sanford and city of Biddeford are also working their way toward agreements with Maine Energy, according to their managers. Biddeford City Manager John Bubier said Wednesday that the city was short about 3,100 tons of trash in 2008, which equals about $130,000. Bubier said an agreement has been worked out, and he does not expect the city to pay any additional funds to Maine Energy for last year’s trash disposal.
Sanford Town Manager Mark Green is also working with Maine Energy representatives, according to his weekly town manager’s report from May 15. He reported the town should have a resolution within two weeks.
Tibbetts and other town managers said Maine Energy has not typically billed municipalities in years past for not reaching their guaranteed annual tonnage, and he does not believe Kennebunk is responsible for paying the difference now.
Robbins said the company should have been billing for the guaranteed amount each year, but this year, the issue came to his attention because there was a noticeable drop in deliveries compared with the guarantee.
A spreadsheet from Maine Energy sent to Tibbetts shows a loss of nearly 10,000 tons of trash from York County customers ”“ excluding Biddeford. That trash could amount to more than half a million dollars in lost revenues for Maine Energy. Robbins said the company has been working with each municipality individually and only has a few outstanding contracts.
“We want to get this settled as soon as possible,” Robbins said Wednesday.
Tibbetts sent a letter to Robbins dated May 13 outlining why the town has reduced its trash disposal. He said, per the contract, Kennebunk is not required to pay the difference.
— Staff Writer Tammy Wells contributed to this article. Staff Writer Robyn Burnham can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 329 or rburnham@gwi.net.
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