Woolwich’s warrant for the Aug. 22 annual town meeting will include ordinances regulating the sale and cultivation of marijuana. The select board scheduled an outdoor public hearing on the ordinances for 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 22 on the lawn next to the municipal building. Copies of the proposed ordinances will be posted on the town’s website.

The ordinances cover growing, testing, processing and retail sales. At issue for the select board was whether to have voters consider them at November’s general election or the town meeting. On Monday, the board opted for the town meeting, hoping most of the discussion will take place at the hearing.

“I don’t want to have an overly long drawn out debate on these at town meeting,” Chairman David King Sr. said. The four marijuana ordinances appear at the end of the 42-article warrant, although King said voters could take them up earlier on a motion from the floor.

Changes are also proposed for the shellfish and planning ordinances and for allowing the ambulance department to collect fees for on scene care and non-transports.

The board’s proposed 2020-2021 budget includes raising $202,193 for curbside trash and recycling collection; $718,587 for highways and bridges; $144,229 for the fire department and $206,292 for the ambulance department. The warrant will include an article authorizing the board to use income generated by the ambulance department to offset its operational budget.

Patten Free Library of Bath is seeking $56,832, a 2% increase over last year. Proposed donations to non-profit and community organizations including Bath Area YMCA, Jesse Albert Clinic, Sweetser, Tedford House and others total $20,642.

As in past years, the warrant articles are written so voters can lower, but not increase, amounts.

In other business, EMS Director Brian Carlton said Woolwich Ambulance Department made 287 calls in its first year, 47 more than he predicted a year ago. Carlton estimated the department had the potential to take in $72,000 in revenues its first year. He told the board, at the close of the fiscal year on June 30, the department had taken in approximately $69,000.

“I can’t say enough good things about the people who make up our ambulance department,” said Carlton. He added, his crew’s dedication, service and professionalism have been nothing short of outstanding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re all very proud of you but not surprised,” responded Selectman Allison Hepler.

“There’s no question you’re doing a great job and we appreciate it very much,” added King.

Fire Chief Mike Demers said the fire department had made a dozen calls since the board’s last meeting. One was a tree on fire at the north end of Nequasset Lake possibly struck by lightning. The department responded to three motor vehicle accidents and provided mutual aid to Dresden. Road Commissioner Jack Shaw reported paving has been completed on Birchwood and Weston roads. The board reappointed Candace Conrad tax collector and also as deputy town clerk.

On Monday morning, July 13 the board will meet to present the Boston Post Cane to the towm’s oldest resident. Margaret Gardiner of Phipps Point Road who died at 98 in February was the previous holder of the ceremonial walking stick. She received it in 2017.