To avoid setting a precedent, among other reasons, Woolwich selectmen in a split decision Sept. 6 turned down a request to loan a tent for a non-profit children’s Halloween event. Janine and Lee Hague of Rescue Charlie’s Friends had hoped to borrow the tent for their HOWL–O–WEEN Spooktacular planned for Oct. 22 and 23.

The nonprofit, which offers dog adoption and rescue, recently moved to a building off Route 1 behind Kennebec Equipment Rental, #90 Road B. The Hagues plan to offer a safe place for youngsters to enjoy the Halloween season with a haunted house, face painting, corn hole, trick or treats and fortune telling.

It all sounded great to Chairman David King Sr., but he told the Hagues he couldn’t in good conscience allow them use of the tent. “It’s not that I don’t support what you’re doing,” he said. “I just think in approving it we’d be opening a huge can of worms.” King’s fear was if the tent were loaned to one group, others would want to borrow it. “Where do we draw the line?” he asked.

Selectman Allen Greene had a different opinion. Greene suggested requests for use of the tent could be made on a case by case basis. “It’s not like we’re loaning it to a business. They’re a nonprofit and they’re putting on an event for the community,” he commented.

There are two tents. Woolwich and Georgetown share them, Woolwich selectmen said. Woolwich used them to hold an outdoor town meeting during the pandemic, and most recently for Woolwich’s community picnic. In the end a majority of the select board decided against loaning a tent, although they didn’t rule out helping the Hagues in a different way.

In a letter to the editor Sept. 8, King and selectmen Allison Hepler, Jason Shaw and Dale Chadbourne further explained their decision. At 1,900 pounds, the tents are hard to put up and take down; and, the four board members wrote, the town’s insurance company has advised that the municipal insurance will not cover the damage if the tents are lent out and get damaged or someone gets injured.

Following the meeting, Greene emailed Wiscasset Newspaper. “I’m extremely disappointed in the board’s decision not to allow Rescue Charlie’s Friends to borrow the town’s tent for a children’s Halloween party. Charlie’s is a non-profit organization that provides a tremendous service. They rescue dogs from all over the country and provide them homes through adoption, or fostering,” wrote Greene. “The other members of the Selectboard feel they would be setting a precedent by allowing them to borrow the tent. I disagree. The event is a community Halloween party for all the children. I believe we are setting a precedent by not allowing them to borrow the tent,” he added.

In other business, the board signed off on this year’s Sagadahoc County tax commitment, which was set at $849,488.

Nomination papers for two seats on the select board must be returned to the town office no later than 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, and have the signatures of at least 25, but not more than 100, qualified, registered voters of Woolwich.

Town Clerk Opal Keith said four people have taken out papers including incumbent selectmen Greene and Dale Chadbourne. The seats will be decided Tuesday, Nov. 8.