Among family and friends, gifts might come with wrapping paper and Scotch tape. But when a town is on the receiving end, the tape may be red.

Edgecomb selectmen are seeking answers to questions they and Fire Chief Roy Potter have about donations of firefighting equipment.

If even things like donated hoses need voter approval, Fire Chief Roy Potter said he may pass on some offers.

“I need to know at what point ... do I need to (request a gift's acceptance), because if it's a long, drawn out thing, I'm wasting my time,” Potter told selectmen August 26.

Selectman Stuart Smith raised the gift-acceptance issue two weeks earlier, when Potter mentioned a donated ambulance. It was being housed at the Edgecomb fire station, but Potter said he hoped it will be used county-wide, as a “rehabilitation unit” for firefighters at fire scenes.

The board on Monday considered checking with an attorney on the procedures surrounding gifts, but members favored having Selectman Jessica Chubbuck call the Maine Municipal Association instead.

Susan Johns can be reached at 207-844-4633 or susanjohns@wiscassetnewspaper.com