Edgecomb selectmen met with the budget committee and various municipal department heads and board members Dec. 12 to begin discussing the Fiscal Year 24 budget. Among topics likely to receive substantial discussion this budget season is appropriating money for Edgecomb’s 250th anniversary in 2024 and a future property revaluation. “These are a couple areas we need to discuss more. We haven’t had a revaluation since 2004 so we really need to begin thinking about that,” Board Chairman Dawn Murray said. 

Edgecomb and other Maine towns will also face another hurdle this budget season. Murray reported all 97 applicants for the new Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens qualified. Last June, the legislature approved a bill assisting residents age 65 or older in managing their property tax bills. Program qualifications include owning a home in Maine for at least 10 years. The tax stabilization would freeze applicants’ tax bills at the same rate as when they qualified. 

 “I hope the state keeps their promise about reimbursing towns because we had 97 applicants, and all 97 qualified,” Murray said. “That is significant for a small town like Edgecomb.”

In other action, selectmen authorized sending a letter supporting “affordable housing” in the Boothbay region. Boothbay Region Development Corp. is seeking grants to create affordable housing in Boothbay. On Oct. 31, Edgecomb selectmen agreed to join Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport in signing a letter of support. “We sent a letter to the commissioners supporting affordable housing,” but not necessarily any particular project,” Murray said. “The letter stated ‘we recognize the need, and people working here definitely can’t afford to live here.’”

Selectmen approved two liquor license renewals. One is for Water’s Edge Restaurant and Bar, 306 Eddy Road. The second is for Glidden Point Oyster Farm, 637 River Road. 

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26 in the town hall.