Ricci changes stance on burn fee
Selectmen voted 3-2 in favor of charging a new $10 fee for permission to burn brush. The proposal came from Selectman Ron Ricci, who voted with the majority against a fee when a vote was taken on the matter on Dec. 6.
The new charge takes effect Jan. 1, 2012, which coincides with the start of burn season. To obtain a permit, residents must go to Town Hall during its normal business hours and pay the fee.
Town Administrator Tim Bragan said the Town Hall is looking into setting up an online payment system, but for now residents must appear in person. For residents used to making a spontaneous decision to burn brush on a Saturday or Sunday, the new system will require prior planning. After purchasing a permit, residents will still be required to call the town dispatcher for permission to burn on any given day.
In defending his call for a reconsideration of the vote against a burn permit fee, Ricci said that after discussing the matter with Fire Chief Rick Sicard, he had concluded that the fee was the only way to fund the town’s SAFE (Student Awareness of Fire Education) program for the coming year.
Selectmen Ricci, Peter Warren, and Bill Johnson voted for the measure. Chair Marie Sobalvarro and Selectman Tim Clark opposed it.
