The Woolwich select board felt the recent town meeting went very smoothly but could have been better attended. Fewer than 100 voters turned out and approved a $1.6 million budget for fiscal year 2018-19. Attendance has fallen three years in a row, Chairman David King Sr. said Monday.

Last year, 105 voters attended, while in 2016, when town meeting returned from a weeknight to Saturday morning, 220 turned out.

"If we returned to having it on a weeknight, I don’t know that it would be any better attended,” commented King. Selectman Allen Greene observed most of the attendees were older residents. “The younger voters don’t bother coming,” he said.

This year, the board offered free day care for parents with young children.

“When there’s a hot issue, like we had two years ago with the pay-per-throw proposal, more people turn out,” said Selectman Jason Shaw.

Resident Fred Kahrl recalled attendance was much higher when the annual town meeting was held in March. The date changed after the state changed the fiscal year to end June 30. On a nice spring day in April or May, people are less likely to turn out for town meeting, he said.

"When people choose not to show up for town meeting, they’ve got no say,” continued King. “I’ve always said town meeting is the purest form of town government there is.”

Selectman Allison Hepler said Woolwich Central School's tunnel-painting project was progressing. The mural will be completed later this month in time for a planned dedication of the tunnel on Flag Day, June 14.

Greene said the first ever town-wide Volunteer Cleanup Day was very successful. He thanked Kahrl and other members of the town’s Solid Waste and Recycling Committee for helping organize the event held this past Saturday.

Selectmen announced the following appointments: Paul Dumdey, Shellfish Conservation Committee; Kahrl, Solid Waste and Recycling Committee; and John Hauck, Road Committee. Kahrl said he’d also like to serve on the Monument Committee.

The board unanimously approved a liquor license for Mae’s Café for a May 23 retirement party.

The board will advertise for bids on a new alarm system for the town office. Prior to the board's May 21 meeting, selectmen will meet at 5 p.m. with Sue Ellen Whittaker and other members of the Nequasset Park Improvement Committee. They will discuss handicap improvements planned for the park. The floats at the town landing have been installed for the boating season. Volunteers are sought for the annual alewives fish count. For more information contact the town office.

Debbie Locke told the board, First Baptist Church on Middle Road will host the town's Memorial Day service May 27.