Westport Island's tax rate will be $13.60 per $1,000 of valuation, selectmen announced at their August 13 meeting. This is an increase from $13 last year.

One factor increasing the tax rate is an increase of $56,784 in Westport Island educational cost. Westport Island voted to begin the withdrawal process from their school district in June. A Withdrawal Committee was appointed and is looking into the cost of withdrawing and the cost of joining another school system.

Another factor in the increase is that there was only $1.396 million increase in land and building valuations over the past year, according to First Selectman George Richardson. The town budget increased by $35,532, the County budget decreased by $5,112, and the total budget had an increase of $87,210, over last year.

New health officer appointed

Westport Island selectmen appointed Tamara Tyler as the town’s new health officer. Tyler, a trained nurse, will replace former health officer Ann Cavanaugh.

Cavanaugh served as the town’s health officer until her unexpected death on May 21. She is sadly missed.

Selectmen sign contract with Wiscasset

The selectmen voted to sign the contract with the Wiscasset Transfer station at a cost of $71,153. The contract requires quarterly payments of $16,788.25 beginning in October.

The contract allows Westport Island residents to use the Wiscasset Transfer Station for one year, from July 1 through June 30. 2013.

Westport Island has contracted with Wiscasset for this service for several years.

Wright Committee report

Wright Landing committee member Al Andrews told the selectmen about the committee’s activities.

The committee received authorization to have the large stone at the entrance to the landing engraved, in 4-inch lettering, with the words “Wright Landing.”

Page Monument will do the work before winter at a cost of $620. The money to pay for the engraving was raised by the Wright Landing committee from donations.

A large pine tree fell during the severe thunder storm on the Wright property that will cost between $200 and $300 to cut and remove, according to Andrews. The committee received two bids for the work. The selectmen asked that further information be received before deciding on which bid to accept.

Wright Landing committee Chairman Art Ballard requested, in an email, to add a “lost and found” link to the town’s website. The selectmen agreed it would be a good idea, and will contact Dennis Dunbar, who manages the town website.

Ben Crehore memorial service planned

The selectmen announced there will be a memorial service for Ben Crehore on September 23 at 2 p.m. at the Crehore home on the Island.

Crehore passed away on June 1. He was a dedicated citizen of Westport Island. He served as chairman of the first Comprehensive Plan Committee and on subsequent Comprehensive Plan committees. He served on the Planning Board, the Board of Appeals, and six years as Third Selectman. Although he had not been a selectman for several years, he would often attend the selectmen’s meetings to offer his opinions on issues facing the town. His quiet manner, quick wit, and one liners often brought entertainment to the meetings.