“You can report in the newspaper, the town of Woolwich remains in good financial order,” said Selectboard Chairman David King Sr. following a meeting with auditor William Brewer of Bath. The selectboard and Town Administrator/Treasurer Kim Dalton met with Brewer Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 6 to close the books on the 2023-24 fiscal year which ended June 30.

Brewer said the selectboard and office staff had done another good job at managing town expenses. Most accounts were within or below budget. Overdrafts totaled $8,614, most of which were for workmen’s compensation and insurance. The selectboard was left with $18,566 in contingency funds to cover the overdrafts. During the discussion,  Brewer noted Woolwich had a 97% success rate in collecting its property taxes.

Woolwich had a record turnout for the Presidential Election; 2,262 ballots were cast, and 100 new voters registered at the polls. The selectboard thanked Dalton and the ballot clerks for the work on Election Day.

During the board’s regular meeting, it was noted the former Montsweag Flea Market had been purchased and its new ownership is planning a spring 2025 opening. King said because the flea market has been closed the last two year, its new owner(s) will need planning board review.

In his bi-weekly report, EMS Director Danny Evarts stated the ambulance department had responded to 32 calls in October; 20 patients were transported. MC1 was called for assistance eight times and Woolwich provided mutual aid to Wiscasset once. Evarts was not in attendance as he was at a two-day public safety grant writing workshop. Evarts noted plans were in the works to schedule a free CPR class for the public.

Dalton said state law requires her to notify town employees the Family Paid Leave Act goes into effect on Jan. 1 and will result in small deductions in their paychecks. In a related matter, the board voted 5-0 to authorize Dalton to enter into a contract with a private company for payroll services.

There was a brief discussion concerning the solar farm at the former landfill on Middle Road. The town is approaching the end of its seven-year lease agreement and must decide whether to extend the contract or begin proceedings for assuming ownership of the solar farm.

In reviewing accounts from the previous year, selectmen decided to carry forward funds set aside for maintenance of the town clock on the municipal building. King suggested it would be worth considering replacing the historic clock with a newer one. The present clock manufactured in the 19th century stopped running several years ago and needs significant repair. Selectmen have $1,153 in the clock’s maintenance account.

The selectboard voted unanimously to renew a license for LandRace Cannabis on Route One.

The town office will close at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, the day before Thanksgiving. 

Selectman Allison Hepler said Woolwich’s Veteran’s Day program will be held at Nequasset Meetinghouse, across from the town office, at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 11.