On Monday, Jan. 14, after a public hearing to answer questions, 22 Edgecomb residents unanimously voted to amend the town’s TIF agreement for a second time since its creation in 2005.

The hearing, moderated by attorney Jonathan Pottle of Eaton Peabody, was held to discuss a proposed amendment which makes three changes to the TIF. These are to permit a portion of TIF funds to be used for the new fire truck, to conduct capital improvements to the public safety building and to lengthen the term of the TIF to 30 years.

Since receiving voter approval last June to buy the fire truck, Edgecomb officials have been exploring changing the TIF to include funding for it. Passage of the amendment now allows the town to move forward toward that goal.

The TIF was created to bring municipal water and sewer service to Davis Island for development. A 2010 amendment helped fund the town’s public safety building.

Among the projects included in the TIF’s amended municipal investment plan are costs for buying and replacing fire equipment, professional services, administrative costs, skills development and training, child care and multiple use recreational trails.

Pottle reminded attendees “Tonight’s vote is to implement a change in the planning document. The town still has to follow the appropriation process and hold a separate town meeting to vote approval for any projects.”

Pottle added the town has experienced more tax revenue than anticipated in the original TIF. More projects could be considered because the increase in revenue and the extension of the TIF life to 30 years gives the town more flexibility.

“What else should we be aware of,” Selectman Mike Smith asked Pottle. “Make sure that there is accurate recordkeeping and that projects are reflective of the town’s need,” the attorney responded.

After the town vote, the application for the amendment needs final approval from the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development. Edgecomb EMA Director Bill Witzell asked about the likelihood of approval from the state. “Most applications are approved by the state,” Pottle said, “sometimes with certain conditions. The key is to be as thoughtful as you can in preparing it.”

Then came the special town meeting to vote on the amendment.

Boothbay Harbor attorney Carl “Chip” Griffin moderated. Reading the key points of the amendment, he asked for a show of hands by those in favor and within minutes the 22 voters who attended voted unanimously to change the TIF.

Asked for his reaction, Fire Chief Roy Potter commented: “It’s a positive step forward in getting the needs of the fire department addressed.”

With the town meeting concluded, selectmen began their regular meeting. Among the items discussed were the transfer station and deadlines for the town’s budget committee.

Potter emphasized the need for residents to put street numbers on their homes. “It’s supposed to be clearly posted,” Potter said, concerned that without the street numbers marked, there can be delays in responding to calls.

Selectmen were given copies of a letter from the Center for Teaching and Learning, thanking the fire department for its quick response to a recent medical emergency involving one of the children. The department responded to 18 calls for service in December including four involving motor vehicles, 10 for medical assistance and two for carbon monoxide. One of the carbon monoxide incidents was due to a faulty furnace and required evacuation of the home.

Before adjourning, selectmen approved the appointments of Jack French to the ordinance review committee and George Chase to the budget committee.  Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at the town office.