Edgecomb selectmen held a public hearing Oct. 3 on the Wiscasset sewer district’s proposed rate increase. The public heard about two potential increase scenarios. One is a 3% rise and the other is 10%. Wiscasset Water District handles the sewer district’s billing, and the water district’s superintendent, Chris Cossette, provided information about the request. Davis Island residents are the only Wiscasset sewer customers in Edgecomb. The current Edgecomb rate for less than 300 cubic square feet is $40.28 and an additional $15.53 per additional 100 cubic square feet.

Selectmen invited Davis Island customers to attend the public hearing, but none did. Selectmen decided to table the proposal to provide another opportunity for public feedback and give themselves more time to consider the request. Edgecomb selectmen serve as the municipality’s sewer trustees. “We don’t have a lot of overhead so we definitely don’t want to overcharge,” said Selectman Mike Smith. “But costs are continuing to rise, we don’t have to make a decision now so why don’t we table this, and decide in two weeks.”

In other action, Glidden Point Farms had its liquor license restored after surrendering it last month. Last year, Glidden Point had its beer and wine license renewed, but surrendered it for a recent wedding event. Owner Ryan McPherson told selectmen Oct. 3, the wedding reception was a success, and now they wanted to restore the beer and wine license. McPherson explained a caterer used its license for the event which required Glidden Point to relinquish theirs. “Next year, we plan on applying for a different license so we don’t have to surrender ours.” The board voted, 3-0, to reinstate Glidden Point’s previous license.

Selectmen tabled a potential building permit fee increase. Selectmen asked Code Enforcement Officer George Chase to provide a comparison between what Edgecomb charges and other similar-sized municipalities. “We’re quite a bit lower,” he said. Town Clerk Claudia Coffin recommended selectmen raise fees only to cover administrative costs. “All we need is covering pen, paper and administration. We’re not allowed to make money on this. The CEO and licensed plumbing inspector are paid through taxation,” she said. 

Still, the board wanted to hear from Chase about how Edgecomb’s building fees compared to neighboring communities at a future meeting, and tabled the discussion. 

In May, voters approved $10,000 for Edgecomb’s 250th anniversary celebration set for 2024. The committee has 24 events planned for the year-long celebration. “I see a lot of enthusiasm building,” said Karen Green,  Edgecomb 250 co-chairman. The committee has planned a walk around Fort Edgecomb and will invite Gov. Janet Mills to the celebration. Smith hopes to add another event to the March schedule. “We had a public informational meeting about Edgecomb prior to COVID. I’d like to schedule another around March 3 or 4. I think that would be a good time to talk about where we are, and establish municipal goals,” he said.

Edgecomb 250’s next meeting is Saturday, Oct. 14 at 9 a.m. in the town hall. Selectman Michael Maxim said he would attend.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17 in the town office.