Woolwich selectmen March 4 reviewed 2026-27 non-profit organizations' requests, to be voted on at the April 29 annual town meeting. Among them is an $80,108 contribution to Patten Free Library. The selectboard hopes to finalize the town warrant April 1.

Last year, voters contributed $71,506 to the library, which is on Summer Street in Bath. Along with the city of Bath and Woolwich, Patten Free Library’s other community members include Georgetown, West Bath and Arrowsic. According to a fact sheet accompanying the library’s request, “There are 951 active cardholders from Woolwich. (An active cardholder is anyone who has a new card, or has renewed a card within the last two years.) Of those, 731 are adults, 46 are young people, and 174 are children,” it states. Library officials noted 153 new library cards were issued to Woolwich residents during the past year.

Selectmen are considering holding 2026-27 contributions to the same amounts as last year. An exception is a proposed donation to Bath Area Food Bank. The selectboard discussed returning this to a $5,000 contribution. Last year, on a motion from the floor, voters increased the donation to $10,000.  Chairman David King Sr. said this year’s warrant article will be written so that contributions can be reduced but not increased by voters.

The other donation amounts under consideration include: Bath Area Family YMCA, $500; Bath Area Seniors Activity Center; $850; Big Brothers/Big Sisters, $600; Life Flight, $767; Jesse Albert Dental Clinic, $2,500; Maine Maritime Boat Building Program, $5,000; Midcoast Maine Community Action, $1,400; New Hope for Women, $500; Spectrum Generations, $1,740; Sweetser, $3,084; Tedford Shelter, $700; Nequasset Trail Breakers, $400; and Woolwich Historical Society, $1,500.  

Jason Libby, principal of Woolwich Central School, said parents were embracing the new traffic plan for student drop-off and pick-up. The plan went into effect in the latter part of January and has helped ease congestion on Nequasset Road. “Traffic is more passible on Nequasset Road,” he added. The selectboard thanked Libby and school officials for their efforts.

Selectman Tommy Davis suggested the board consider updating its Comprehensive Plan and to include recommendations of the Climate Resilience Committee. Volunteers will be sought to serve on a committee for this purpose. It’s been more than 10 years since the Comprehensive Plan has been updated.

In his report, EMS Director Daniel Evarts stated the ambulance department responded to 27 calls in February; 26 patients were seen, 20 transported and MC1 was called nine times. The ambulance department responded once to Wiscasset and once to Dresden.

Fire Chief Shaun Merrill said there were 12 calls in February; three were to provide mutual aid support for structure fires. Two were for intown structure fires.

In a unanimous vote, selectmen appointed Michael Field as health officer. Field also serves as the town’s code enforcement officer. 

The selectboard tabled action on an application seeking renewal of a cannabis license for HIGHLY Cannaco, on Route One. In other business, they voted 4-0-1, Selectman Allison Hepler abstaining, to grant four property tax abatements.