Edgecomb selectmen are contemplating creating a municipal record regarding local businesses. During the Feb. 26 board meeting, Selectman Ted Hugger proposed establishing a business permit for capturing information. The permit would provide a brief description of the business, the owner’s name and emergency contact information.

“I want to go on record stating how much I hate government bureaucracy, and this smacks of bureaucracy, but as a town we have no process in place to know who is doing business in town,” he said.

Hugger and Selectman Mike Smith agreed all current businesses would be required to submit business permits without a fee. New businesses and those making a significant change would require a new application with a fee. Selectmen discussed a possible fee between $25 and $50. Selectmen will seek an opinion from the planning board about implementing a business permit.

In other action, the selectmen began final preparations for the annual town report. Selectmen set March 12 as the due date for department head letters. They also reported the budget committee had two remaining hearings. The next budget committee meeting was scheduled for Feb. 28. The final meeting is March 12. Fire Chief Roy Potter will present a request in two weeks for repairing the station’s sidewalk. The committee will also discuss possible town hall repairs. Smith indicated the town hall needs a new roof and shingles. He also recommended replacing the hall’s stairwell and entry way carpeting.

Selectmen are also considering constructing a concrete ramp to the town hall. Selectmen will seek an ASK (Assistance with Specific Know-how) Grant from Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission for engineering costs. Selectmen expect to a seek a $1,500 to $2,000 grant.

The town is also awaiting a response from Wiscasset about providing ambulance services for the next fiscal year. Edgecomb contracted with Wiscasset Ambulance Service (WAS) last year for $3,000. WAS  told Edgecomb officials the price would increase this year, and possibly double. Town officials are searching for an alternative while waiting for Wiscasset’s response.

Selectmen will meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, March 12 in the municipal building’s meeting room.