Damariscotta may have to start paying to dump snow into the Damariscotta River. The town has been dumping it in the river from a spot north of the Damariscotta-Newcastle bridge for years; but now the property owner, River Falls Trust, is asking for $2,500 a year to let the town keep up the practice, according to materials the town released Jan. 1.

The town has Maine Department of Environmental Protection permits to dump snow there and off the town launch, but the river current is stronger near the trust’s lot, so the snow and salt can dissipate particularly well there, Town Manager Matt Lutkus said in a telephone interview Monday.

It’s discouraging to have a new expense just as he is trying to find ways to save the town money, Lutkus said about the proposed deal. “But I am grateful that we can continue to use that site,” he said.

Lutkus was recommending selectmen agree to the deal Jan. 6. It would take effect this winter, so, if selectmen approve it, Lutkus will determine if the payment can come out of the town’s contingency; otherwise, the trust has agreed to let the town pay $5,000 in the next budget year to cover this year’s payment and next year’s, Lutkus said.

Besides the faster river current, the lot’s nearness to Main Street adds to its desirability for dumping snow, he adds in his notes to selectmen.

A DEP official he checked with agreed with Lutkus’ assessment that the town does not have a practical alternative to the site, Lutkus tells the board.

“We don’t really have a choice,” Lutkus said in Monday’s interview. “We need to dump most of the snow (at) a swift current because the DEP wants to dissipate the snow and salt as quickly as possible.”

The proposal follows a Sept. 15, 2015 letter Lutkus got from an occupant of the property, the law firm of Howard & Bowie. Attorney Edward Dardis states that the town originally gave a tax credit for the snow-dumping; Lutkus said he had not been able to confirm a prior tax credit.

Later, the town agreed to fix and maintain the lot, which gets damaged by the town’s use, Dardis’ letter continues. “Unfortunately, the Town has not maintained its end of the bargain.” The letter cites issues including the lot’s repair needs and the inconvenience of having to frequently move vehicles due to daytime snow-dumping.

Dardis did not immediately return a message seeking comment Monday on the proposed deal.

Wednesday’s board meeting was set for 5:30 p.m. at the town office.