Earlier this month, Edgecomb officials joined a conversation regarding local road safety conditions. On Dec. 27,  Selectman Dawn Murray updated town officials about a recent meeting between Edgecomb, Newcastle and Maine Department of Transportation officials in the town hall. “Rep. (Holly) Stover contacted us about using the town hall for a meeting regarding too many accidents and poor visibility on the Cochran Road,” Murray said. 

 

One proposed safety measure was placing a larger stop sign on Cochran Road. As for Edgecomb, selectmen had concerns about McKay Road’s condition and motorists consistently driving at high speeds. “DOT said they could paint some strips to help mitigate issues, but there was no commitment on reducing speeds,” she said. 

 

Selectmen said any major improvements would, according to MDOT officials, not begin until 2026. 

 

In other action, selectmen will begin Fiscal Year 24 budget deliberations in earnest in January. School Committee member George Chase reported a three-year teacher’s contract was recently ratified. “We’d love to see those numbers so we can begin working on the budget,” Selectman Mike Smith said.

 

Budget Committee Chairman Jack Brennan announced the meeting schedule. The first meeting was on Dec. 12 with the select board and department heads meeting with the budget committee. On Dec. 28, the budget committee met with Schmid Preserve trustees. Future meetings include one on Jan. 4 with the planning board. On Jan. 10, the committee meets with Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District. On Jan. 18, with the harbor master; Jan. 23, with selectmen; Jan. 25, with the road commissioner; Feb. 1, with the emergency management agency; Feb. 9, with Fire Chief Roy Potter; and Feb. 15, with school officials.

 

On Feb. 21, the budget committee has its final deliberation with selectmen. On March 6, the committee presents its recommended budget during a public hearing. 

 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9 in the town hall.