The Newcastle Board of Selectmen met Monday, July 20, and addressed Damariscotta’s decision to terminate the interlocal public works agreement, ending the discussion by asking town attorney Peter Drum to arrange for an extension of the agreement to Aug. 10.
While Damariscotta selectmen voted to extend the agreement until Oct. 31, Newcastle selectmen opted to extend it until Aug. 10 so they can review a reconciliation, list of equipment, and other documents before signing for the final October extension date.
“I’d like to just say that I think this approach that the Damariscotta selectmen have taken is wrong,” Selectman Ben Frey said. “Their town voted to not only support the interlocal agreement but fund it.”
Frey believes Damariscotta should have allowed residents to vote on the decision at a special town meeting.
“We in Newcastle would not dream of doing what they’re doing without asking voters to come out and give their opinion,” he said.
Frey motioned not to sign or accept the Oct. 31 extension until Damariscotta goes back to its voters for their consent to dissolve the agreement, but the motion did not receive a second.
Selectman Joel Lind expressed support for Frey’s motion, but said such an action had the potential to “make a bigger mess.”
Selectman Carolyn Hatch said she does not believe the Damariscotta selectmen can be trusted.
“Why bother having town meetings if the select board is just going to do whatever?” Hatch said.
The board plans to keep providing public works services while avoiding any further increases in taxes for Newcastle residents.
“We’re going to try to do it with what we’ve got,” Frey said. Selectmen discussed the option of a stand-alone public works department for the town, and the possibility of seeking an agreement with another neighboring town.
“Regardless of what we do, we’re going to have to come to the town and ask for permission,” said Frey.