While the returns on the interlocal agreement seem to be positive, there were several concerns raised during a joint meeting between Damariscotta and Newcastle Monday, Aug. 11.

The two boards of selectmen met to discuss the future of the interlocal agreement, which oversees how the shared public works department splits its time between the two municipalities.

While both boards of selectmen were supportive of the current agreement and the work the shared public works department performs, there were still worries about the future of the agreement, specifically from Damariscotta Town Manager Matt Lutkus.

Lutkus said that in Damariscotta, the town manager has oversight of the public works department, but that in recent years the dimming stream of communications has him worried.

“I've had concerns about accountability,” he said. “For me to be comfortable, I need to have more communication.”

Superintendent of Roads Steve Reynolds reported that Damariscotta received approximately 62 percent of his time while Newcastle had 38 percent; the time for the foreman and laborer were a bit more evenly split, with Damariscotta receiving 57 percent of the time.

Reynolds said this year was different than year's past, because of injuries and special projects in Damariscotta.

Lutkus said that despite the year's larger difference in time spent between the two towns, the department leans more to the west.

“It's a shared department, but sometimes I feel like it's Newcastle's department,” Lutkus said. “It's supposed to be shared with Damariscotta and sometimes I don't feel like we have a public works department.”

Newcastle selectman Ben Frey proposed a subcommittee that would further review the cost savings of the agreement, if any, and further delve into the time allotments of the public works department.

There was a trial period of a year for the agreement before its current third year. The agreement ends this fiscal year.

“We need to have a very different conversation and say either 'Yes, this is something we want (to keep doing)' or 'No, this isn't working,'” Frey said.

Both boards agreed to have a subcommittee with Frey, Lutkus, Newcastle Town Administrator Lynn Maloney, Newcastle Board Chairman Brian Foote, Damariscotta Board Chairman Ronn Orenstein and board member David Atwater.