Westport Island taxpayers will get some good news in their tax bills this year: a reduction in their mil rate from $7.75 to $7.51 per $1,000 valuation, which equates to a $24 decrease for every $1,000 valuation.
The Westport Island Board of Selectmen signed the assessment and commitment certificate at their meeting Monday, Aug. 18, establishing the mil rate for the 2014-2015 tax year.
First Selectman George Richardson said earlier this year he expected a decrease in the mil rate, largely due to a $162,000 reduction in the RSU 12 school assessment for the town.
Westport Island voted to begin the withdrawal process from RSU 12 in June 2012 because of the high cost of educating their students through the RSU. However, due to the RSU adopting a new cost formula that reduced the cost to Westport Island, the town voted in June 2014 to discontinue the withdrawal process and remain in the RSU.
Town hall painting
The town received five bids for the painting of the front and rear exterior walls of the town’s historic town hall. Two of the bids were disqualified because they were incomplete.
The selectmen awarded the bid to the lowest bidder, Town and Country Home Services, for $5,400. Peter Norton, of Boothbay, owns Town and Country Home Services.
The painting must be done within 60 days of the acceptance of the bid, or as otherwise agreed in writing, according to the specifications of the bid.
Ant problem
The selectmen agreed to have Orkin Protection inspect the town office to determine if the building has an ant problem serious enough to pay close to $1,000 a year for ant protection..
The selectmen agree if there is a problem they will take the necessary steps to protect the building, but they want to be sure there is a problem before using town funds.
Wright Landing parking
The selectmen announced at their meeting that they will enforce the Wright Landing ordinance restricting overnight parking at the public landing. A warning will be given first, informing the car owner the vehicle will be towed if parked overnight again.
Appointments
The selectmen appointed Dennis Baker to the harbor committee and Jefferey Tarbox to the ad hoc history committee.
Town office paving
The tentative dates for Gene Reynolds to pave the town office parking lot and 20 feet of Fowles Point Road adjacent to the town office are Wednesday-Friday, Aug. 20-22, and Wednesday-Friday, Aug. 27-29. The town office will only close for one day – Thursday, Aug. 28.
Richardson said these dates are subject to change depending on the weather and Reynolds’ availability.
In other business
The selectmen authorized Richardson to contact heating oil companies for a contract for the town buildings. The town’s current contract with Down East Fuel will expire Aug. 31.
The next selectmen’s meeting will be Sept. 8, due to the Labor Day holiday Sept. 1.
