Brown tail moth caterpillars are a severe public health issue and can kill the oak trees on which they feed, Dresden resident Gail Daigle told Dresden selectmen Monday. She asked the board to sign a statement addressed to state officials that could possibly generate help in fighting the infestation.

“It is at a high level at this point,” said Daigle. She said hairs from the caterpillar stage can cause severe skin rashes. If airborne, they can create respiratory problems, she said. She said she had suffered from respiratory discomfort. She said the hairs can be a danger for several years following the infestation.

She said the insect is especially prevalent in trees along Alexander Road, and routes 127 and 27. She said currently the insect is in the larval stage with the potential of 25-400 larvae in each cocoon.

Resident David Probert confirmed he had observed many cocoons in oak trees near him.

“It is a very big issue,” said Daigle. She said the state had mapped Dresden as only a yellow and orange threat. She said the town should be bumped up to red by the Maine Forestry Department. She said the town may not receive assistance, but individuals can get help from several insect control firms.

The board agreed to sign a form letter to the Maine CDC expressing the town’s concern.

In other business, Selectman Alan Moeller said town roads are still suffering from winter frost heaves and his road maintenance budget was exhausted.

“We ran out of money. We are at zero or below,” said Moeller.

Moeller said frost has pushed mud up through several gravel roads. He said seven culverts need repair. The board agreed to allocate the bulk of FEMA reimbursement funds from the 2017 windstorm to the road repair budget.

The board reviewed the 2019 draft budget but deferred  action until the budget review committee competes its work. The bulk of the $97,392 increase is in the highway department, $91,142, and in the transition from elected to hired office personnel. Administrative Assistant Michael Henderson said no estimate of possible changes in the tax rate would bevavailable until the school budget is resolved.

The board approved renewal of contracts for the code enforcement offer and roadside mowing.

Selectmen revised town office hours beginning July 1: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. It also agreed to move selectmen’s meetings to the first and third Tuesdays of the month.

Selectman Dwight Keene said the company that collected e-waste had gone out of business. Moeller said the transfer station will not be collecting electronic equipment including TVs until a new company can be found.