Free service draws complaints

For the past several years, the Town of La Conner’s Public Works Department has spent a week each spring hauling yard waste for residents.

“It was just a way to help people do a spring cleanup,” said Public Works Director Brian Lease.

But what started out as a way to help folks who couldn’t haul their branches on their own has turned into a major week-long project, costing the town thousands of dollars.

“Over the years, some people started stockpiling their yard waste throughout the year and then expect the town to come and get it,” Lease said.

In some cases, said Town Administrator John Doyle...