Edgecomb selectmen are taking a cue from the Mamas and the Papas: “Monday, Monday, can’t trust that day.” On Jan. 24, selectmen changed from their traditional every other Monday meeting date to every other Tuesday. Town officials reported energy conservation as the reason. “The town hall is open and heated on Tuesdays,” town officials wrote in an email. 

Once selectmen began their bi-weekly meeting on a new day, they discussed a previously tabled item. On Jan. 10, selectmen heard Terry Stockwell request making sand available for residents at the town garage. He proposed designating a “small pile.” Later, selectmen sought Town Clerk Claudia Coffin’s advice. Selectman Mike Smith related her opinion during the Jan. 24 board meeting. “According to her, the Maine Constitution doesn’t allow public funds spent on private property. So, as far as I know, this is a dead issue.”

But Smith reported in a subsequent conversation with Stockwell several Maine municipalities including Southport, Boothbay, Bangor, Augusta and South Portland set aside sand for residents’ use. Selectman Ted Hugger suggested placing a warrant question which would provide sand for residents’ use. But Smith had another idea. “This sounds like a question for a future select board. Once we return to a three-person board, we should discuss it.”

Smith and Hugger voted 2-0 to table the motion. 

Selectmen were updated on the cost of field mowing for the Schmid Preserve.  The cost for mowing which increased this past year will remain the same for the upcoming year) and the increase will be reflected in the Schmid Preserve draft budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

In other action, selectmen set Tuesday, March 7 as the municipal and school budget hearing date. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the town hall. Selectmen met with the budget committee before the board meeting. Smith reported one more meeting with the budget committee remains prior to a finished budget proposal. “As far as taxes go, I’m not sure what to say,” Smith said. “Our ambulance service is $58,928 (up from $17,000). So we have to wait to see what the final numbers show.” 

He also cited a couple other impending municipal needs that will not appear on the warrant. Three years ago, Edgecomb began considering a tax revaluation. Smith estimates a $350,000 cost depending upon the survey’s extent. He added  the project would not occur for “at least another couple years” due to unavailability of a tax assessor. Edgecomb is also seeking a temporary town planner. Hugger reported he has spoken to a candidate about assisting the ordinance review committee with its comprehensive plan project one day per week. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7 in the town hall.