In 2020, COVID-19 resulted Edgecomb first postponing its annual town meeting to August, then changing to a referendum municipal election. On Dec. 14, selectmen discussed holding another referendum-style meeting in May 2021 due to a continuing rise in COVID-19 numbers. Selectmen must decide prior to March 15 in order to meet deadlines for absent ballots. Chairman Mike Smith believes a referendum format is the best way to combat COVID-19 health concerns. 

“The way things are going we need to have a conversation about what kind of town meeting to have. Last year, the referendum had a larger turnout, and I don’t think that would be replicated with a town meeting. And I don’t know how we could hold a town meeting with 80 to 150 people,” he said.

Selectman Ted Hugger also prefers a referendum, but new Selectman Dawn Murphy supports returning to the traditional town meeting format. In 2020, voters rejected four school budget articles which later resulted in a special town meeting. “You don’t have the opportunity to ask questions in a referendum vote or amend any articles. It’s all or nothing,” she said. Selectmen tabled discussion and will revisit the issue.

In preparation for the town meeting, selectmen appointed four out of six budget committee members, and Chairman Jack Brennan submitted a meeting schedule. Selectmen unanimously approved Karen Potter, Janet Blevins, Joe McSwain and Fran McCue. The committee schedule began Dec. 14 with the first of 11 sessions. The Schmid Committee will discuss its 2021 funding requests Monday, Dec. 21. The last meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 24 with a final budget presentation for selectmen’s approval.

Selectmen also appointed two planning board alternates. Cory Mullins was reappointed as an alternate, and John Dunlap was appointed as a first-term alternate.

In other action, residents discussed state legislative policy concerns with State Senator-Elect Chloe Maxmin, D-Nobleboro. Among the top concerns were broadband internet access and school funding. School Committee Vice Chairman Heather Sinclair requested the Legislature fulfill state subsidy promises. In the past decade, Edgecomb has lost over $600,000 in education subsidies. Sinclair also sought relief for small school districts required to provide student transportation costs for state and federal mandates, Last year, Edgecomb Eddy School paid transportation costs for a special needs student to a special school in southern Maine to meet federal individualized education program (IEP) requirements. The town also paid transportation costs for two students living in a Bath shelter to attend school in Edgecomb. “As a small community we’ve been hit hard by state funding losses. Last year was the first time in a decade we haven’t seen a reduction,” she said. “We also don’t have any leeway in our budget so those federal mandates hit us hard. I’m hoping the state could create a pot of money for those expensive mandates.”

Resident Jack Dexter lives near the school which is connected to high-speed internet, but he described his 1,700-foot road as “a small dark pocket.” He told Maxmin his road has seven homes with three school-age children needing internet access for remote learning and two adults trying to work from home. “We’ve lived there for three years and Spectrum shows no interest in expanding access,” he said. “We’re asking to become part of the 21st century, and for the legislature not to overlook our plight.”

Maxmin responded she has tried in the past to require Spectrum to provide more access, but found out the utility is federally regulated.  She also pledged to support full education and revenue sharing funding. “I won’t vote to cut either one,” she said. 

Smith also asked for Maxmin to reconsider restrictions against selectmen discussing town issues outside of a public session.  Edgecomb has three selectmen so discussions between two members outside of a meeting are not allowed. “Two of us make a quorum which makes it difficult if you want to talk about something when we’re not in session,” he said. 

The meeting was Murray’s first as a selectman. She won election to Jack Sarmanian’s unexpired term Dec. 5, receiving all 16 votes in a special election. She will assume Sarmanian’s duties as the lead general assistance administrator and as a website committee member.

Town Clerk Claudia Coffin reported the town is receiving a credit for school building overpayments. The town overpaid approximately $57,000 which will reduce its monthly payments from $233,000 to around $224,000.