Selectmen had a message for those who organize special events: clean up afterwards or pay the price.

Board members approved on Tuesday adding a $500 retainer fee for special events applications at the request of Municipal Maintenance Director Dave Menard.

Chair Judith Whiteside said the fee will serve as an incentive to keep Wareham clean. Organizers who leave a mess after events will lose the fee, which will go toward clean up costs.

Board members were quick to adopt the measure, opting not to take questions from Onset Bay Association President Kat Jones. Every year, the Association hosts a slew of special events, including concerts, the 4th of July fireworks, plays and more.

Selectman Patrick Tropeano said the Association and others who are good hosts shouldn’t worry.

“Folks who have been good all along likely won’t have an issue,” said Tropeano. “You’ll get [the fee] back at the end anyways.”

“You’re essentially leaving a check,” added Selectman Peter Teitelbaum.

Tropeano went on to say that the board had specific offenders in mind.

“We know who they are and we know who we’re targeting,” said Tropeano.