District Committee approves $25,000 for recycling reimbursement; compensation system debate continues

Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District · Meeting of May 18, 2026

DARTMOUTH — Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District Committee approves $25,000 for recycling grants. Chairperson John Beauregard and the six-member Committee voted unanimously to appropriate funds from the Recycling Reimbursement Reserve, divided between Dartmouth and New Bedford for food waste diversion and recycling facility improvements; the prior grant of $25,000 was awarded in 2023. The meeting centered on compensation system reform, with Beauregard and four other members expressing concern that the current step-based structure has repeatedly required changes and fails to match private-sector waste industry salaries, especially compared to the Town of Bourne's landfill positions.

Committee member Daniel Patten argued the step system has proven effective and should be reviewed periodically rather than abandoned. District Counsel Matthew J. Thomas proposed a compromise: defined pay ranges with annual cost-of-living adjustments and merit-based increases.

Executive Director Anthony Novelli and Project Manager Raphael Weschler were directed to develop specific recommendations with cost analysis for the Personnel Subcommittee.

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Source: the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District meeting of May 18, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.