The Wiscasset Board of Selectmen, in a special meeting Tuesday, March 31, voted to delay the annual town meeting by referendum until it is safe to proceed.
An emergency bill, L.D. 2167, allows municipalities to postpone town meetings.
During Tuesday’s meeting, which took place by videoconference, Town Manager John O’Connell told the selectmen he saw no other prudent way to proceed amid the uncertainty of COVID-19.
Selectmen Kim Andersson and Ben Rines, who plan to seek reelection, said they have concerns about asking people to sign their nomination papers.
Selectman Jefferson Slack expressed concern about whether the town would have funds to operate beyond the end of the fiscal year, June 30.
The emergency legislation allows the town to collect taxes based on the previous year’s budget if necessary. Upon learning this, Slack agreed to support the postponement.
The nomination process for candidates will now begin at a future date, which the selectmen will determine.
The selectmen will continue to meet by videoconference on their regular schedule, the first and third Tuesday of each month, to approve financial warrants and address the bare necessities of town business. Their next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 at 5 p.m.
