NORTH ATTLEBORO - The possibility of paying for trash removal through a Proposition 2 override rather than through a user fee will be examined as part of selectmen's annual discussion of the town's trash program.

Selectman Paul Belham asked the head of the solid waste department to provide some figures and information on whether it would be beneficial to seek an override to pay for trash removal expenses in the future, rather than the annual user fee, which is $100 this year.

"Residents are already paying for it out of their pockets anyway, but if we had an override, they would at least be able to deduct it on their taxes," he said.

Other members of the board were not excited by the idea, saying similar proposals have been discussed and rejected in the past.

Because the town will be setting the trash fee this month, changing the way the money is collected from residents couldn't be changed quickly. Even if selectmen decided to propose an override, it would have to be approved by the town's voters.

One potential problem is that the town's user fee changes slightly each year - meaning that additional overrides might be necessary

Michele Bernier, assistant to the town administrator, said her hometown of Mattapoisett encountered a similar situation.

She said Proposition 2 overrides for trash removal passed in two successive years, but voters rejected the move in a third year.

Selectmen will set the annual trash fee at their meeting on May 24.