A series of mishaps has Edgecomb’s website committee considering finding a new web host. On April 2, Website Committee Chairman Janet Blevins reported the municipal website crashed due to several problems with GoDaddy’s service. The first was a problem with forwarding municipal email accounts. Second, the website’s test domain was deleted which resulted in losing the entire system’s backup files. Third, the secure socket layer became faulty. Blevins added these were all services the town paid extra to prevent from happening.

Blevins told selectmen she’s worked with GoDaddy technicians to resolve the problem, but so far no resolution occurred. “How many strikes do you get,” she asked. Blevins sought Cecile Williams’ advice in restoring municipal website services. Williams owns Cecile Design Studio in Yarmouth and has worked with the municipal website committee in the past. Blevins told selectmen Williams could provide the same services at a reduced price. There is also another benefit in changing website domain providers. “She is local. So if there is a problem she can come here, and I wouldn’t have to talk to someone by phone,” Blevins said.

Selectmen Mike Smith and Lynn Norgang were receptive to changing the website providers, but tabled the decision. The board wanted Selectman Michael Maxim’s input and wanted to provide Blevins time to make a potential smooth transition. 

In other action, residents will soon see tax assessors taking a closer look at their properties. Selectmen signed letters for O’Donnell & Associates property assessors to carry while inspecting properties. The signed letters explain the assessors’ duties. 

Selectmen also received a Maine Department of Transportation letter about a property taking. MaineDOT is taking .37 of an acre on Town Hall Road due to the Route 27 reconstruction project which begins later this year. Smith said the parcel has a “$400 value,” but the state will pay Edgecomb above fair market value. “The department has determined just compensation at $1,000 and this amount will be paid upon filing of the taking. The property owner has the right to obtain their own appraisal,” wrote the department. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 in the municipal building.