The Westport Island Board of Selectmen have approved the new tax rate of .00751, which represents a decrease from last year’s rate of .00775, down 24 cents per thousand of assessment.

In other town business, five companies submitted bids to paint the town hall. Specifications for the work were provided by William Cooney, chairman of the island’s Town Hall Committee. The work area involves approximately 1,500 square feet of surface, consisting of the front and rear exterior sides and trim of the hall. Bidders were also told to include the cost of power washing, scraping and sanding prior to painting.

Of the companies that submitted bids, three were excluded due to incomplete information. Of the remaining bidders, Town and Country Home Services of Boothbay was provisionally awarded the job with its bid of $5,400, pending review of the company’s insurance documents. According to the specifications, work is to be completed within 60 days from acceptance of the bid.

A concern was raised about overnight parking at the public landing, which is prohibited by town ordinance. The selectmen opted to provide those who park at the landing overnight with a letter advising them of the ordinance for the first offense and to tow repeat offenders.

Two Westport Islanders were appointed to town committees: Jeffrey Tarbox was appointed an ad hoc member of the History Committee for a one year term and Dennis Baker was appointed to the Harbor Committee for a term ending in 2017.

Paving at the Town Office at 6 Fowles Point Road is tentatively slated to begin on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Depending on weather and availability of equipment, the paving project may require the Town Office to be closed on Thursday, Aug. 28, for the day. It is suggested that those having business at the Town Office call prior to coming in on that day. The phone number for the Westport Island Town Office is 207-882-8477.