Woolwich selectmen will move forward with a plan to purchase a solar array off Middle Road on the town’s former landfill. The 24-watt system was originally financed through a Power Purchase Agreement administered by Revision Energy of South Portland and Montville. 

The project approved by voters at the 2017 annual town meeting gave Woolwich the option of buying the solar array after year seven; voters have raised $7,000 each year in anticipation of the purchase. With interest , the selectboard has $50,532. according to Town Administrator Kim Dalton. Feb. 19, the board discussed the purchase, with the intention of reaching a decision Monday, Feb. 24 as they continue to continue work on the 2025-26 town budget. 

The solar array went online in January 2018 and, as projected, has generated roughly 95% of the municipal building and fire department’s electrical needs. said Chairman David King Sr. According to the selectboard, a year or two after the solar array became operational, Revision Energy sold it to Green Volt, a private investor from Kennebunk. The selectboard is considering contracting with Revison Energy for future maintenance of the solar array's inverters and panels. The system has a life expectancy of 30 to 40 years. 

Selectman and District 49 Rep. Allison Hepler said she had co-sponsored a bill submitted by Rep. Bill Bridgeo of Augusta, which if approved would allow municipalities to pay their county tax commitment in installments. “I plan to testify in support of the bill,” wrote Hepler in an email to Wiscasset Newspaper. “Right now, by statute, the county assessment to towns must be paid in one lump sum by the end of October. This bill, LD 286, would allow each county the option of other payment schemes, such as quarterly or twice a year.” 

Hepler explained she and other selectmen support the change because the country commitment arrives in September, when Woolwich has just set its own tax commitment. “It is largely a cash flow problem – we’re at our leanest when the bill comes due.” Hepler stated the problem is statewide and not just Sagadahoc County, which Woolwich is a part of.

“Even if this bill passes, they (the county commissioners) don't have to make any changes,” wrote Hepler adding, the public hearing on the bill, which is livestreamed and recorded, is Monday, Feb. 24 at the State House in Augusta. The title of the bill is: “An Act to Allow County Commissioners Greater Flexibility When Establishing a Payment Schedule for Municipalities to Pay County Tax Bills.” 

Real estate property taxes in Maine are typically due in two installments, the first by Oct. 15, and the second by April 15. Feb. 19, the board signed a tax anticipation note for $396,489 for the town office to use to meet its financial obligations until property tax payments on the second installment are paid. The note obtained through Bath Savings in Bath was financed at 5.25% interest and matures in two months on April 30.  

In his monthly report, EMS Director Danny Evarts thanked ambulance personnel who stood by overnight at the station during the recent snowstorm. “Thankfully, we only had one call during the storm,” he said. Overall, February has been busy. The ambulance service responded to 20 calls including one during the selectboard meeting. Eighteen patients were seen, 15 transported. Evarts noted he will be in New Mexico the week of Feb. 24 attending first responder training on bombing and explosions.   

In other business, the board authorized Fire Chief Shaun Merrill to spend up to $18,000 for repairs to Engine 3. Although it’s 27 years old, King said it’s been the most reliable fire truck the town has ever owned.