The city of South Portland has decided to move forward with the idea of a pay-per-bag trash pick-up. It currently costs taxpayers $2 million per year for the service. 

That cost would not change with their proposed changes, but citizens would now have to purchase city-issued trash bags, with no tax reductions planned. Just one bag per household per week would be $1.4 million per year. So, it’s likely going to cost residents an additional $3 million to $4 million in increased costs. And, the city will profit from bag sales, which they say will reduce costs. To who? The city? It’s not their costs or their savings. That money belongs to taxpayers.

Additionally, taxpayers will also be required to pay for bags for low-income households, which already receive assistance on many levels. Now we have to pay for their trash pick-up as well?

The city of South Portland didn’t hesitate for a second to approach the purchase of a Walgreens property for a project that has not been designed or approved by voters. They pushed for a $200 million City Hall project that no one wanted. They are sitting on four vacant properties worth millions that generate zero taxes and have no plans to sell any of them. 

Enough is enough. Let the City Council and city manager know we are tired of their excessive spending, increasing taxes and lack of services. It’s time for changes at South Portland City Hall.  

Bud Munson
South Portland