Edgecomb is in the third of a five-year contract with Central Lincoln County (CLC) Ambulance Service. Edgecomb pays $17,000 per season, and is extremely satisfied with the service. On Nov. 1, selectmen discussed their future ambulance needs. Selectmen believe that future is with Damariscotta-based Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service. Ted Hugger met with CLC officials last month and discussed the framework of a contract extension.

Hugger reported a long-term deal may be in both parties’ interests.“They are happy with us, too,” he said. “But we are probably looking at a big increase (in two years) because the cost of everything is increasing.” Hugger also reported the town would likely receive a lower rate with a long-term deal as long as 10 years based on his discussion.

Hugger also sought Fire Chief Roy Potter’s opinion of the ambulance service’s performance. “Roy had nothing but good things to say. He likes their people, performance and professionalism,” Hugger said. Selectman Mike Smith described the current agreement as a “good deal” for Edgecomb. He reported Bremen has fewer calls than Edgecomb, but still pays over $45,000 per year. He estimated if Edgecomb entered into a future per call agreement, it may cost nearly $100,000 per year.

In other action, selectmen began acting on suggestions made at the Oct. 25 public forum. Selectmen want to put together an advisory committee on using funds from a $3,000 Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission ASK (Assistance with Specific Know-how) Grant. The grant is designed to aid Edgecomb’s planning for future town hall needs.

Selectmen also want to work with the Edgecomb Eddy School Parent Teacher Committee in planning the town’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2024. Committee Chairman Krystal Hodgdon told selectmen she would work as a liaison between the school and town in planning student celebration activities.

Another town celebratory event is just around the corner. Selectmen began planning for the annual Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Contest. The decorating contest involves residents, students, businesses and nonprofits decorating trees at the town hall. Preliminary plans include adding a fourth “celebrity” judge. In past years, the contest was held on the first Friday of December. 

Smith also updated the board on his conversation with Doug Beck of the state Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry about fulfilling Edgecomb’s obligation to replace a tennis court paid with federal funds. On Oct. 18, selectmen heard a proposal from Schmid Preserve Chairman Lisa McSwain which would use a donated 13-acre Middle Road parcel added to Schmid Preserve which would eventually be used to connect the River Link Trail to Canada. 

But town officials became concerned about potential federal guidelines. McSwain reported the federal government may exert guidelines on the entire 660-plus acre Schmid Preserve even though the donated parcel is only 13 acres. “We had a great conversation, and Doug made it clear the federal government would require public access to the entire Schmid Preserve. With that, the oversight would be checking every five years to make sure the land is accessible. So I don’t think there is too much to worry about,” he said. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15 in the town hall.