Chairman Jack Sarmanian informed fellow Edgecomb selectmen Oct. 7, the state has increased the value of property in the town to $230,150,000, a $12 million increase over the previous year’s valuation.

According to the state’s revenue services department, “The state valuations are used to calculate county taxes, to determine the amount of state funds to be granted to each municipality for education funding and revenue sharing, to establish municipal and school bond debt limits, and to determine municipal contributions to public school systems.”

For the 2019 tax year, Lincoln County had a total valuation of $7,550,200,000.

Ten months into the second year of a five-year contract, CLC Ambulance Service Director Nicholas Bryant reported there was “great communication” between the town’s volunteer fire department and the ambulance service.

“Call levels are up,” Bryant told officials. The contract began in July 2018 and Bryant reported 75 calls for service were received in the six months ending Dec. 31, 2018. For 2019, he reported 114 calls have been received to date. “This is the first full year of service, and we had a number of transfers to other hospitals.”

In June 2018, town officials approved a contract with CLC for five years at $17,000 per year, with an annual review. Asked about the transition from Wiscasset Ambulance Service, Bryant responded: “I haven’t seen any issues.” He added, there were “no problems” working with Edgecomb’s fire department. “We know most of the fire department personally and have a good relationship with Chief (Roy) Potter.”    

Bryant said CLC’s response time is 12-15 minutes to “the farthest end of Edgecomb.”

He also reported CLC has received a $25,000 grant from the Burns Family Foundation to buy video laryngoscopes and a power stretcher. The laryngoscopes will go in all four ambulances.

Selectman Mike Smith said the brochure committee has almost completed its draft for the town brochure and the final draft will be presented to selectmen for approval at their next meeting.

Potter reminded the meeting there will be a fish fry at the fire station on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise funds for equipment.

Edgecomb EMA director Bill Witzell said the fire department responded to 17 calls in September, including seven for medical assistance, six motor vehicle accidents, three smoke alarms and one request for mutual aid.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 at the town office.