JAY — The resignation of Transfer Station supervisor Todd Hiscock of Livermore was accepted with regret by selectpersons Monday night.

He has worked for the town for nearly four decades. His last day is Thursday.

“We thank him for his service throughout his years and wish him luck in his new venture,” Chairman Justin Merrill said during the meeting.

“Todd has served the citizens of Jay for 37 years and been an asset to this community. His work here has been appreciated and we wish him the best of luck,” Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere said Tuesday.

Hiscock has taken a job as a truck driver in Auburn.

He started driving truck for the town on Oct. 2, 1978 in the Public Works Department. In January 1991, Hiscock transferred as a truck driver to the Transfer Station and Recycling Center when the town started curbside trash and recyclables pickup. In 2010, he became supervisor of the station and its operations.

Hiscock will leave his position just before voters go to the polls Nov. 3 to decide whether to privatize or eliminate curbside collection. Both options will save the town money, LaFreniere previously said.

There is no option to keep the service as it is. 

To have a private company provide curbside collection will cost about $120,000 and will be paid for through taxes, saving about $130,000. Eliminating trash pickup would save the town nearly $250,000.

Selectpersons told residents at a public hearing Sept. 23 that they could not justify having the town continue providing the service. They are looking at all budget areas to reduce next year’s budget, especially in light of Verso Corp.’s announcement in August to permanently eliminate 300 jobs and shut down a paper machine and pulp dryer at the Androscoggin Mill.

With either option voters choose, the proposed budget is based on 2.5 employees so changes are anticipated with personnel at the Transfer Station, LaFreniere said.

There are 4.5 positions at the station, including Hiscock’s. One position is shared with half of the time spent at the Transfer Station and the other half at the Public Works Department.

Hiscock said he has enjoyed working for the town and will miss the people.

“I’ve felt a lot of support from the residents of Jay and co-workers,” he said. “I certainly will miss them.”

dperry@sunmediagroup.net