Dear Editor:

As the 2026 tax season approaches, I’m reminded of Ben Franklin’s words, “...in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes…” (Edgecomb taxpayers will note the uncanny juxtaposition of Edgecomb’s town hall and the North Edgecomb Cemetery.)

We all calculate our income and dutifully pay our taxes each year, as required by law: national, state and town taxes. We make budgets and we stick to them. But not in Edgecomb.

After the town raised taxes 32% in 2024, a group of concerned residents (and seasonal taxpayers) formed the Edgecomb Community Tax Group (ECTG), which continues to gather information and review the town’s finances. (See: edgecomb.me) Analysis is complicated because Edgecomb is 3 years behind its required audits and the school system is 2 years behind. Analysis is also complicated by a lack of rigorous accounting practices and full public transparency. 

Take, for example, the projected school tax assessment (based on available figures), which will increase by 17.4%. Meanwhile, your Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) went up only 2.8%!

This May, Edgecomb’s ca. 1,200 residents have two civic responsibilities: (1) to take a close look at the town’s budgets and (2) to vote for responsible pro-active civic leaders. Remember: the town’s Selectboard, committee members and town employees work for the voters. Not the reverse. Voters must insist on transparent sustainable budgets and expense reports—and hold all elected board members accountable.

Let’s not forget: it’s Fort Edgecomb, not Fort Knox!

William and Carolyn Anthony

Edgecomb