Edgecomb Eddy School just got a lot more affordable for local taxpayers. The Maine Bond Bank notified town officials this month that a “refunding issue” resulted in a $91,740.49 payment rebate.

Four payments remain on the school built in 2002. The bond bank will reduce each payment by approximately $22,000. According to Town Clerk Claudia Coffin, the letter only mentioned a “refunding issue” for the school loan reduction.

“This is definitely a surprise,” said Selectman Jack Sarmanian. “Usually, when we hear from the state, it’s the other way around.”

In other action Jan. 16, Fire Chief Roy Potter discussed concerns about 911 addressing issues. He discussed how the 911 addressing officer recently misidentified Atlantic Avenue as U.S. Route 1. “This needs clarification to avoid confusion. Atlantic Avenue is behind Blueberry Lane and is a different road than Route 1,” Potter said.

He also plans to consult with 911 Addressing and Code Enforcement Officer Stan Waltz about continued efforts to update Davis Island 911 addresses. Potter will seek to meet with Waltz to discuss fixes for Davis Island street names and confusing addresses. 

“I tried setting something up with Stan last week, but we couldn’t find a mutual time. I’ll keep trying and maybe we can do something this week,” he said.

Selectmen also corrected an error in approving a property tax abatement last month. Selectmen approved a tax abatement for Robert Burns who sold his Cross Point Road property in 2015. 

Burns contacted town officials, telling them he recently erroneously received a tax bill for past three years. When town officials began processing the abatement, it was discovered the wrong mil rate was used. This resulted in Coffin requesting selectmen amend the abatement. Selectmen approved a three-year tax abatement for Burns totaling $1,647.09.

Selectmen will meet next at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29 in the municipal conference room.