Meeting via teleconference on Monday evening, April 6, Edgecomb selectmen focused on”issues of immediate concern in maintaining town operations during this time.”

Fire Chief Roy Potter said there is one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Edgecomb, which was handled by his department. As of April 3, the department had an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) but was waiting for more.

Potter explained he has established a protocol for Edgecomb firefighters to respond to COVID-19 calls. To protect department personnel, they will go to the site but will not enter the structure since the ambulance will be there. Potter said this will limit the number of people who are exposed.

He has closed the fire station to all but department personnel and may limit training to video conferencing for the time being.

One of the agenda items was a letter from Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett, providing an update on his office during “this state of civil emergency.” Brackett informed the selectboard that, as an emergency measure, he has deputized some law enforcement officers from Boothbay Harbor and Wiscasset so that, in the event of a severe staffing shortage in his office, he would be able to ensure public safety services remain at full capacity. Brackett said he has also included some deputies from Knox and Sagadahoc counties.

Brackett also offered additional services from his office, including R.U.O.K. calls or helping with groceries or other necessities for Edgecomb residents.

Other discussion at the board meeting focused on the recent postponement of the annual town meeting, previously scheduled for Saturday, May 16. The election of town officers was scheduled for the day before and Town Clerk Claudia Coffin reported that she will hold nomination papers until the town has a date for the annual meeting. Selectmen agreed to postpone the elections.

Coffin said the commitment could be moved to the end of August instead of early August. Tax notices for Edgecomb property owners traditionally are sent after the town meeting in May and are due Oct. 31.

Coffin explained that the commitment can occur whenever the selectmen decide and that the town meeting could be held with as little as three weeks’ notice.

Selectman Ted Hugger suggested tabling the reports from department managers until the next meeting so the selectmen will have enough time to read them.

Budget Committee Chairman Jack Brennan reported there is a ”virtual” budget, subject to change, which reflects a 2.1%, or $82,489, increase over the 2019-20 budget of $3,912,619. Brennan thanked his committee for its hard work under difficult conditions. 

He explained that the number is an attempt to have some foundation for a 2021 budget. “But don’t take this too seriously,” he advised.  With so many unknowns, Selectmen’s Chair Jack Sarmanian suggested they hold off on the budget until a town meeting can be held.

Sarmanian also reported that on April 1 the town applied for an ASK grant of $2,000 so that the town can explore a future design and engineering for the town hall.

The board meets next at 6 p.m. Monday, April 20.