Edgecomb is in the final year of a contract with Central Lincoln County Ambulance. In the past five years, Edgecomb has paid $17,000 annually, but beginning July 1 that will end. On Feb. 7, selectmen reached a one-year agreement with CLC Ambulance for $58,925. Selectman Ted Hugger said exploding business costs resulted in the huge increase. 

“I talked to Wiscasset and they are a couple thousand dollars higher. We also tried Boothbay Region Ambulance, but they didn’t submit a quote,” he said. “So it seems the $58,925 is the going rate because CLC charges that to their other customers.”

Residents will ultimately decide whether to contract with CLC Ambulance at their May town meeting. On March 7, selectmen will host a public hearing on the proposed ambulance service budget and other warrant articles.

In other action, selectmen are organizing the town report. During the Feb. 7 meeting, selectmen designated recording secretary Barbara Brennan to find an appropriate photo for the report’s cover. She suggested a Schmid Preserve photo. The town report dedication is still an unanswered question. Hugger said selectmen are still considering potential candidates. 

Selectmen decided to appoint former selectman Dawn Murray as the general assistance administrator. Murray held the position for over two years during her term as selectman. On Dec. 31, she resigned, which left Selectmen Hugger and Mike Smith looking for a replacement. “We found out the administrator didn’t have to be a selectman. Since Dawn did such a great job, we asked her to continue,” Hugger said. 

Selectmen cancelled the Feb. 21 meeting. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 7 in the conference room.