The city will begin exploring possibilities of a transfer station to bring in more revenue, a measure that could possibly bring in anywhere from $80,000 to $130,000 a year.

A transfer station is simply a building where trash is brought before taking it to a landfill, city Public Works Director Richard Parnell said following tonight’s city council meeting. “It’s something we’ve been looking at for years,” he said.

The transfer station could also have the potential to reduce the city’s annual solid waste fee, which is currently $188 a year, Parnell said.

Getting to construction of one, however, is probably something which will take three to four months of study and possibly six months before a decision is made, City Manager Paul Sabiston said following the meeting. Estimated cost of construction is $750,000 and the city would consider building close to its maintenance yard on Hinson Street.

Sabiston noted in a memo to council the city needs to determine preliminary engineering and permitting costs, total engineering costs and estimated construction costs. It also needs to determine projected expenses and revenue as well as consider any legal issues with its operation and explore financing options.

Councilman Jon Baker suggested the city look at a collaborative effort with the county on the matter.

Following the meeting he explained less than a year ago council passed a resolution for a contract the county had with Waste Industries. The county asked for all municipalities to back this contract because all towns contribute to the waste stream.

If the city builds a transfer station it would be pull tonnage away from the county and cause tipping fees to go up for all municipalities, he said. “I fully support finding new revenue sources for the city. I think we need to work together to find a solution.”

Councilman Ernest Bobbitt disagreed, however. “We should do it on our own instead of getting everyone else involved.”

Said Councilman Ed Deese: “I agree with Ernie, we should do it on our own.”

Councilman Ed Liverman said county involvement in the project should be part of the investigation process.

Mayor D.N. Beale said he wanted Sabiston to move forward with the study and said any discussion of the matter should be in open session.

Sabiston advised the mayor, however, that items such as contract negotiations and land acquisition matters would need to be discussed in closed session.