As Edgecomb selectmen began their Aug. 4 meeting, Chairman Forrest Carver asked about the board's vacancy. Aug. 4 was the first day nomination papers became available and Carver asked Town Clerk Claudia Coffin if anyone had taken out papers. She replied "no."

Nomination papers will be available until Sept. 3. The special election to fill George Chase's unexpired term takes place on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Selectmen are also considering a warrant article amending the town's bylaws. Selectman Cara Gaffney explained the words "except for the fire chief" should be added to municipal bylaw 10.1. "I'm working on the wording now, and it should be ready by next meeting," she said. Selectmen believe the current language places unnecessary restrictions on the fire chief.

In other action, selectmen held a public hearing to set new 2026 sewer district rates. There are about 60 sewer customers on Davis Island which uses Wiscasset's sewer system. Selectmen approved a proposal which kept the monthly minimum rate at $49.92 per month and each additional cubic foot over 100 at $16.55. The only changes were an increase from $318 for a sewer connection fee to $352. The impact fee per gallon of design flow rose from $6.85 to $7.59.

On July 27, selectmen held an emergency meeting to consider signing a letter of support for maintaining Miles Memorial Hospital's maternity ward. Selectmen approved the request with a 2-0 vote. Aug. 4, selectmen approved the letter's wording.

Time is running out for selectmen to decide about a Resiliency Grant. The deadline is later this month and selectmen are struggling to make a decision. Carver stated he was “dreading the decision because the options weren't clear." Selectmen tabled the vote and decided to contact County Planner Laura Graziano to advise them in making a decision prior to the application deadline.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 in the conference room.