The town forum Edgecomb selectmen held with more than 20 residents at Edgecomb Eddy School Dec. 7 was, by all accounts, a success.

“Today we saw what makes Edgecomb great,“ said Selectman Ted Hugger. “Different people from different backgrounds coming together and having a reasonable discussion.”

Selectmen proposed the idea several weeks ago. They were pleased with the turnout, including the new faces who came to share their views on issues the town faces.

A town handout listed key issues. Attendees broke into three groups and discussed whether or not the town should add an administrative job, have a town crew for snowplowing and road maintenance, and see how the old town hall could be improved to serve residents and visitors.

Selectmen also provided residents with information about types of local government to help the discussion about adding a new administrative job. Possible options are an administrative assistant or town administrator. With its population of 1,253, Edgecomb is similar to several towns that have town managers.

Discussion about a town crew versus a contractor for snow removal brought comments from all sides. One resident said hiring a crew and buying another truck might cost less than a contractor.

Another resident asked if new hirings might at some point be followed by firings and contracting out the work again.

Fire Chief Roy Potter pointed out tree removal needs a licensed arborist, not the town crew.

Wrapping up the active 90 minutes of discussion, Selectmen’s Chairman Jack Sarmanian told attendees,”You have the ideas, now we need to expand this to the community.”

Selectman Mike Smith explained the board’s next steps.  “We’ll absorb what’s been said today and come up with a plan.”

Asked how they thought the forum went, selectmen were positive. “We heard great new ideas and hope we’ll see creativity and volunteerism from this.” Planning Board Chair Barry Hathorne was happy with the discussion. Jack Brennan, who will chair the budget committee in 2020, said it accomplished what he hoped in bringing new people to the discussion and hearing their ideas. Brennan also mentioned the need for volunteerism in Edgecomb, saying he hopes the forum will entice more people to serve on committees and attend meetings.

Residents Lisa and Joe McSwain were also pleased. “It’s great and a move ahead for the town,” Lisa said. “All the ideas are things to think about,” she added.

The McSwains hope any addition to the Town Hall might include space for the history committee to use.