Woolwich property owners can expect their 2018-19 tax bill shortly. The select board set the tax rate after meeting with auditor William H. Brewer Monday evening. Chair David King Sr. said property taxes rose 4.2 percent,  from a rate of $14.40 to now $15 for every thousand dollars of assessed valuation.

In 2017-18, the rate rose from $14.20 to $14.40. Before that, it had been flat at about $14.20.

King said most of this year’s increase was the result of a 5.26 percent hike in the town’s share of the Regional School Unit 1 budget which rose $212,860.

“Ours was the highest increase of all the towns making up RSU 1,” said King.

Woolwich’s share of the 2018-19 Sagadahoc County budget is $723,877, up $3,787 from a year ago.

Over the last fiscal year, Woolwich received $2.23 million more in valuation, according to the town’s assessing agent Juanita Wilson Hennessey. Additional valuation from a $3 million home under construction in the Days Ferry area won’t be realized until next year, she noted in a Sept. 16 memo to the select board.

“Our office staff has done a lot better in the collection of back taxes owed to the town,” said Selectman Jason Shaw. “They collected over $120,000.”

This year’s $1,711,968 municipal appropriation included $75,000 needed for the bridge discontinuation settlement voters approved  at town meeting. Monies needed for the settlement with Matt and Amy Richard were taken from the town’s undesignated fund balance.

Selectman Allison Hepler said the Age friendly Survey is ready and will be mailed out with the tax bills.

Town officials want to hear what residents over 65 have to say about their community. The survey asks respondents to rate Woolwich’s “age friendliness,” indicating what agencies and resources would be important to include on the town’s website. Over the past few months, Hepler has taken part in an ad hoc group that has  explored what it means to be an Age Friendly and Livable Community as defined by AARP. Representatives of Bath, West Bath, Arrowsic, Georgetown, Phippsburg and Woolwich have all participated.

Fire Chief Mike Demers said he applied for grant monies to begin replacing the fire department’s aging air packs. If funding can’t be secured, the select board might include an article for the air packs on next year’s town meeting warrant. New air packs cost $6,000 to $6,500 each, according to Demers. He’ll also look into a lend/lease agreement.

The annual fire department open house will be from 5 to 8 p.m, Oct. 17.