On Sept. 11, Southport received another reimbursement payment for material purchased for the town’s municipal broadband network.  In 2021, Southport had committed over $600,000 toward purchasing materials for the network, but by May, voters overturned the proposal at a special town meeting. Since then, Hawkeye Fiber Optics in Machias has repurchased the Southport-purchased materials.

Last week, Southport received a $68,908.95 payment for one-quarter inch strand ($41,600), a Clearfield frame kit ($4,269.15), Clearfield patch panel ($19,529.80) and D tray ($3,510). According to Finance Manager Sue McFarland of Hawkeye Fiber Optics, the remaining balance is $68,574.99.

In other action, Regional Emergency Management Agency Director Dave Cody sent two questions to selectmen. One regarded municipal insurance. The other involved the town's procurement policy. Selectmen will direct Administrative Assistant Ashlea Tibbetts to contact Cody for clarification on each question.

Selectmen approved a $35,290 property abatement request for Eames Cooke and Anne Cook for their Cross Road property. Selectman Gerry Gamage reported the property's valuation dropped after the home was demolished. The abatement resulted in a $200.62 repayment to the couple. 

Gamage will also research Andrew Much's request to combine two pieces of property. Much told selectmen he previously made the request, but he still received two tax bills.  

Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 in the town hall.