On June 16, Lexington voters will decide whether to overturn Article 31, which authorizes a trash collection system with fees for excess trash.

My concern is that voters are being asked to approve a significant policy change before key details have been clarified.

What size bin will be included? How much will households pay for larger bins or additional capacity? What accommodations will be available for larger families, caregivers, or residents with special needs? 

Supporters often say the first bin will be “free,” but it will still be funded through taxes. The real question is whether residents should approve a new fee structure for ‘excess trash’ without knowing what amount would be excess or how much it would cost. 

Reasonable people can disagree about pay-as-you-throw programs, but voters deserve clear information before granting authority to implement one.

The Town should provide a fully developed proposal so residents can evaluate the fees, bin sizes, exemptions, and costs before making a final decision. Unless those details are clearly described and residents can be confident the program will be implemented fairly, voters should vote No. 

Steve Kaufman

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