Councilwoman Suetta Scarbrough believes there should be a referendum on the proposed solid waste transfer station.

“I’m getting complaints from my constituents if you spend that kind of money you need to talk to us,” she said during today’s city council retreat.

Scarbrough said she is hearing comments the transfer station is a done deal. “I tell them it’s not true. They’re the ones that won’t come to council meetings.”

City Manager Paul Sabiston said the transfer station is a proposal to help lower costs. “People look at that building and say that it’s just more debt.”

Sabiston believes the transfer station will lower rates.

Scarbrough said she believes now is not the time to consider the station because of the theater debt.

Councilman Ed Liverman said, however, “We can’t ignore potential savings because of the theater debt. If we could save $100,000 to $150,000 I think we ought to seriously consider it.”

Public Works Director Richard Parnell said the city is looking at the transfer station as a utility.

“It does appear on paper the numbers are working in your favor,” retreat facilitator Greg Goddard said.

Goddard said the city needs to ask if it is a good return on its investment. “Does it solve problems for you? When you look at it on paper it looks like a viable venture for the public to get involved in. You have to look at it as an enterprise and ask does it solve problems.”

Sabiston said the city is waiting on final site selection and cost estimates.

Mayor Emery Doughtie said the city needs to move forward with the concept.