Woolwich’s property revaluation is on track to be completed in early April according to representatives Nicole Stenberg and David Ledew of Dirigo Assessing Group who met with the selectboard Jan. 8. The Sidney-based company was hired in April 2023 to carry out the town-wide revaluation of commercial and residential properties, the town’s first revaluation in over 15 years.

“We’re about 70% finished with our work and hope to get to a few more properties in the weeks ahead if the snow holds off,” Stenberg told the board. Stenberg acknowledged not everyone in town liked the idea of their home being assessed but for the most part residents have been very cooperative with her and the other assessing agents.

Jason Shaw chaired the meeting in the absence of David King Sr., who was unable to attend due to illness. King was able to listen in via conference call. 

One question the board had was whether a revaluation was needed for recent construction to Central Maine Power Co’s. transmission grid taking place near Mountain and Old Stage roads. “We think maybe it would be a good idea to look at this area as well,” suggested Shaw. Stenberg agreed CMP’s grid construction should be assessed but because Dirigo’s contract doesn’t cover this portion of the revaluation she’d need to recommend hiring another assessor.   

Afterwards, Shaw told Wiscasset Newspaper the board wanted to talk about the CMP construction. "We're satisfied they’ll be able to recommend someone who can do this assessing,” he said. Shaw added, after the revaluation is finished property owners would be able to discuss it with Dirigo. Along with evening out the tax burden, Shaw said the revaluation will ensure Woolwich continues receiving its share of Homestead reimbursement and reimbursements for veterans and tree growth properties. Dirigo Assessing Group was the only company submitting a bid to carry out Woolwich’s reassessment at a cost of $282,000. 

In his monthly report, EMS Director Danny Evarts said he was still compiling the number of ambulance calls for 2024; the unofficial count is 350. The ambulance service had responded to three calls so far this month. On another subject, Evarts noted Maine’s EMS Sustainability Grant spending period has been extended until April 30. “We have $3,400 left. A portion of the funds were used for uniform allowances,” he said.  

Evarts said the ambulance service continues to compile a database of residents who submitted emergency assistance program forms. Evarts is assuming the role of Emergency Management director in 2025, taking on the responsibility of updating the town’s emergency response plan. 

In his bi-weekly report, Fire Chief Shaun Merrill said the fire department had a busy 2024, responding to 259 calls, a 13% increase over the previous year. He acknowledged two recent accidents at the fire station resulting in no injuries but having caused minor damage to three fire trucks and a bay door. Glen Kirkpatrick, assistant fire chief, said the matter had been fully addressed. The damaged bay door was being replaced and its remote-control system upgraded. Following the meeting, Shaw told Wiscasset Newspaper the important thing was no injuries had occurred to any first responders, and there was no delay in responding to the emergencies. 

Merrill noted an electrical problem has resulted in no street lighting on the Sagadahoc Bridge, warning this created a safety issue for motorists. “The lights across it have been out now for over a week,” he said, adding CMP and state highway officials have been made aware. 

Selectman Tommy Davis said the newly formed Climate Vulnerability Committee recently applied for funding of up to $75,000. Rob Stoner asked if CRC meetings could be announced in advance so residents like him who wanted to could attend. Going forward, notice of CRC meetings will be published on the town’s website.  

In an email to the newspaper, Davis explained, “The grant is for developing a Climate Vulnerability Assessment, which identifies climate risks and vulnerable populations, and a Climate Action Plan which will address these vulnerabilities for Woolwich over a two-year effort, including citizen education and outreach.”  

Mechelle Given shared several concerns related to property she owns on Hall Road. These included removing a dead tree limb overhanging the roadway and placing a Dead End/No Outlet sign where it intersects with Route One. She also had several questions regarding a fire hydrant. The board referred her to the road commissioner for the sign and the tree limb’s removal. Shaw said the matter of the hydrant could be taken up at the selectboard’s Jan. 22 meeting when Mike Stinson, representative to  Bath Water District, was scheduled to attend.   

The board will begin work on its 2025-2026 budget in February.