The Edgecomb Board of Selectmen continue its search for a new recording secretary. Last month, Jessica Hicks concluded her brief stint which began in February. She replaced Sherry Tibbetts, who retired in January. So far, the selectmen haven’t found anyone interested in the position.

“We’re desperate,” Chairman Jack Sarmanian said at the board’s May 8 meeting. “We’ve advertised in the local papers and now we’re asking for anyone interested to come forward.”

The recording secretary is a part-time position paying $3,500 a year. The secretary attends 26 regularly scheduled selectmen’s meetings per year and spends 20 hours per year preparing the town report, according to town officials. Selectman Mike Smith has taken minutes in recent meetings due to the  position being vacant.

In other action, the selectmen agreed not to charge a Route 1 property owner a demolition fee for removing a building. In February, town officials asked owners of the former “bed frame house” to demolish the dilapidated structure. Code Enforcement Officer Stan Waltz advised selectmen not to require building owners Arthur and Crystal Cyr of Burnahm to pay a demolition fee.

“Usually, when a structure is removed, a fee is required, but Stan believes since the town requested removal then we should waive any fees,” Smith said.

The town also received a $1,500 ASK Grant from the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission. The town applied for county funds to survey town-owned property for a subdivision. Town officials want to sell two to six parcels on the northern section of the Lallis property. Town officials estimate surveying costs are between $2,000 and $4,000. An ASK, or Assistance with Specific Know-how, Grant is a fund created by the LCRPC. The grants provide municipalities with awards between $250 and $2,500. The grants are designed to support municipalities with specific technical assistance in preliminary engineering, mapping, design, or economic research.

The selectmen also considered whether or not to dispose of or retain four tax-acquired properties. The properties include a small parcel close to the Newcastle border, two rental properties currently occupied, and the 82-acre Lallis property. The selectmen are considering selling or gifting properties to abutting neighbors, putting tax-acquired land out to bid, and selling or retaining properties for future use. The board will continue discussing options at its next meeting, 6 p.m., Monday, May 22 in the municipal building.