A water rate increase was approved for Davis Island residents Dec. 10 following a public hearing in Edgecomb. Selectmen serve as the town's water district trustees on services received from Wiscasset. Selectman Mike Maxim served as Edgecomb's water district trustee chairman in proposing a rate increase to mirror ones adopted by Wiscasset in August.

Voters approved increasing the current $41.48 per 100 cubic feet to $49.92 and anything over up to 300 increased from $15.99 per foot to $16.55.

In other action, selectmen approved setting up an account at Viking Lumber for the town hall renovation project. In October, selectmen heard from the building committee about three options ranging from $750,000 which would have moved the business office upstairs into a new addition, a basement renovation costing $50,000, and renovating the upstairs and moving the office there at a $20,500 cost. 

Selectmen approved the $20,500 proposal and granted the building committee permission to open an account at Viking Lumber for materials. Smith will lead a volunteer group in the project, according to selectmen. 

Town Clerk Claudia Coffin reported the state's new Family Medical Leave Act passed in 2023 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025. Under the law, employers need to determine if they will pay the entire 1% required contribution or whether to split it evenly with employees. Selectmen, as the municipal employer, voted, 3-0, to cover the entire 1% contribution.

Selectmen received correspondence from Boothbay Summer Theater it was no longer interested in renting the town hall this summer. BST plans on producing "Red," a two-man play. "Red" is a Broadway play based on Mark Rothko, a New York City artist in 1958 commissioned to paint a group of murals for the Four Seasons Restaurant.  BST plans on performing the play during Windjammer Days, June 24, 25, 26 and 27. The second run would be July 3, 5, 6 and 7. BST plans six shows per week with four matinees. 

Selectmen reported the troupe had concerns about parking, rental fees and overall space within the town hall.

The board unanimously approved a liquor license renewal for Water's Edge Restaurant & Bar. 

Boothbay Harbor police officer Garrett French was appointed shellfish warden.

Selectmen will meet next, on a special date, Thursday, Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. in the conference room.