On Jan. 1, the new year resulted in a minimum wage increase from $12 to $12.15 per hour. But another new labor law is creating a rift between Edgecomb’s selectmen and volunteer fire department. On March 8, selectmen agreed to seek legal counsel for determining whether firefighters were volunteers or municipal employees. If the state law identifies members of municipal volunteer fire departments as employees, towns, like Edgecomb, are required to provide them with paid time off. Selectman Mike Smith described the board’s seeking legal counsel as an attempt to clarify roles within a small municipal government. “We want to retain our volunteer fire department. That’s our goal to ensure reimbursement falls into that category,” Smith said.

Selectman Dawn Murray will interview prospective legal counsel to advise the town in the new law. Murray told her fellow board members she would ask about hourly rates and time needed to pursue the issue. During a discussion about the Fiscal Year 22 budget, Jack Brennan, chairman of the five-person budget committee, reported the new paid time off law made it difficult forecasting projected fire department wage costs. The budget committee recommends a $1,000 raise for Fire Chief Roy Potter to $9,500. The budget committee is also recommending small raises for fire department officers. 

Potter told selectmen he had a conversation with the Maine Department of Labor about firefighter compensation. “I got to do, what I got to do, and I’m looking after my department. The Department of Labor told me you (the town) are required to pay (officers) minimum wage, and you guys aren't doing that,” Potter said. Edgecomb firefighters receive $15 per hour to respond to emergency calls, and department officers receive a stipend to cover additional duties, such as paperwork. Brennan reported the increased chief’s and officers’  stipend were in part to compensate for administrative duties. 

In other action, Brennan reported the FY 22 municipal budget’s first draft would be completed on March 8. Selectmen agreed to meet to finalize the warrant later that day for the May referendum town meeting. Brennan reported county taxes continued to rise for Edgecomb property owners. The overall county budget increased by 1.85%, but due to a higher property valuation increase, Edgecomb’s share rose about 4%, according to Brennan. “This year’s increase is $13,590. It’s up over $40,000 in the past four years. I wish they’d strive for a net-zero (increase),” he said. 

Selectmen also welcomed a new code enforcement officer. The board appointed Jarrod Pinkham to succeed Ken Vinyl, who will serve until March 14. Pinkham will serve as an interim-replacement until Vinyl’s annual appointment expires on June 30. “Welcome aboard,” Smith said. “We’re pleased to have you, and hope you continue in the position after the fiscal year ends.”

Smith indicated in-person board meetings may return in April. Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, March 22 via Zoom conference.