William Cooney, chairman of Westport Island’s town hall committee, updated selectmen Monday night on the painting and other work under way on the circa 1794 building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Also Monday,  selectmen appointed Ronald Stoodly to the committee.

A letter from F.A. Peabody Company, a Maine insurance business, inquired about insuring the town. Selectmen voted unanimously to remain with Maine Municipal Association.

Citing MMA’s qualifications, Selectman George Richardson Jr. explained “MMA has the largest number of municipalities in Maine and they send reimbursement checks to the town each year.” 

A letter from Kennebec Estuary Land Trust executive director Carrie Kinne requested a property tax abatement for three parcels acquired in 2017. Two are at Squam Creek Preserve and one is a lot added to Bonyun Preserve.

KELT requests a non-profit exemption. Richardson explained it would drop the town’s valuation by $58,327 for the three lots. Property taxes for the land under consideration are $384.96 annually. The request will be reviewed later.

The town has completed its calendar for school board, town meeting and elections. On March 1, nomination papers became available at the town office for second selectman and Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit 12 board member. Papers are due by April 13.  

On March 13, applications for absentee ballots will become available and on May 1, proposed warrant articles for the annual town meeting are due to the town clerk.

The state and federal primary referendum and the school budget and town secret ballot election are June 12 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The annual town meeting is Saturday, June 23 starting at 9 a.m. at the Town Hall.