Monday night, Aug. 20, Westport Island selectmen set the commitment for 2018-19. Chairman George Richardson Jr. said based on a current valuation of $223,974,566, the tax rate will be $6.60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, same as last year, and among the lowest rates in Lincoln County. The town's tax rate was $7.20 for 2016-17.

Asked how the town kept the rate flat, Richardson cited the June town meeting vote to transfer $97,396 from tax interest, lien fees, tree growth, bank interest and undesignated surplus accounts to offset any increase in the rate. 

Selectmen reported property tax bills have been mailed and payments are due 30 days after the mailing.

Selectmen signed a thank you note to residents Craig and Janet Hudson who have been traveling up and down the island cleaning up debris. The selectmen encourage other island residents to clean up the areas in front of their properties.

The town has received a dividend check of $881 from Maine Municipal Association for “good loss experience and loss prevention programs,” according to an MMA press release.

Selectmen will not meet on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3.