Two Edgecomb selectmen apologized March 31 for overstepping their authority in a matter concerning the fire chief. Last year, selectmen paid $1,440 from the fire department's operation account for an overage in a fire station siding repair. 

Selectman Forrest Carver explained the board erred because the fire chief has final say in all department operational expenses. "It was signed on a warrant last year by the selectboard. I want to apologize for that. We overstepped our bounds," he said. 

Fire Chief Roy Potter recommended against trying to rectify the mistake because "it would be robbing Peter to pay Paul." Instead, he hoped the matter would become a learning experience. "Let's leave it the way it is, but, by state statute, I'm the only one authorized to spend fire department operation funds. This is the second time it's happened, and it's an alarming situation." 

In other action, Potter received selectboard approval to bid on a used fire truck. Potter will bid on Wiscasset's Engine No. 7. Wiscasset Fire Department is seeking bids, and placed a Wednesday, April 1 deadline. Selectmen George Chase and Carver gave their informal "blessing" with no vote taken.

The two selectmen will seek Michael Maxim's opinion prior to the April 1, 4:30 p.m. submission deadline. Maxim was absent due to an illness, according to Administrative Assistant Jessica Mague.

Selectmen will use a $1,000 state grant to assist in the maintenance of the town hall's sign. Mague reported about the sign's condition. She described the year-old sign as "cracking with rotting posts." The sign is also located in a spot attracting water run-off causing the rot. Selectmen voted, 2-0, to contract with Arsenault Property Care to repair the sign and improve its visibility. 

Selectmen signed the 2026 Lincoln County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The 300-page document was created by the county Emergency Management Agency team with input from all Lincoln County municipalities. The plan deals with natural hazard problems from summer and winter storms, flooding, fires and droughts. County EMA Director Emily Huber told selectmen by adopting the plan it would provide them with more grant opportunities.  

Last month, selectmen tabled the plan's adoption to provide them an opportunity to review it. Carver said he read about "65 pages" before seeking Bill Witzell, Edgecomb EMA director 's, opinion. "He had no problems with it so I'm going to vote for it," Carver said. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 14 in the conference room.