A three-acre plot on River Road has been identified by Edgecomb officials as a potential location for a municipal boat launch. The Conservation Committee reported the property owner is interested in selling a portion of land near the Damariscotta River.

The committee began officially searching for a municipal boat launch in March. The committee sent three letters to property owners with prime locations along the Damariscotta and Sheepscot rivers.

Committee member Barry Hathorne reported Aug. 1 to selectmen that an unidentified brother and sister own the property and they have a potential buyer in mind. But they will listen to a municipal proposal which reduces their property tax burden and retains access to the water. Hathorne indicated the owners’ main concern is the nearly $11,000 in property taxes paid annually.

Hathorne advised the selectmen that this potential land deal met the town’s needs for a public boat launch.

“It’s not just the best game in town, it’s the only one,” Hathorne said. “My thoughts are the town has looked for suitable property for quite awhile, and I don’t think we’ll find a better piece than this one.”

The preliminary discussions between the property owners and the committee centered around selling three acres for the public boat launch. The owners want an understanding of how the potential sale would impact their property taxes before entering into further negotiations. Hathorne said the owners are interested in the town purchasing the property because it may substantially reduce their tax burden and retain access to the water. 

Hathorne indicated the owners want a property tax reduction of 40 to 50 percent. The committee wants a property valuation assessment of the River Road property to gauge how a potential purchase would impact the owner’s property taxes. The committee requested using the Woodend Fund or the municipal tax assessor for providing an estimate of the owners’ potential new tax bill.

Selectman Jack Sarmanian was more inclined to seek an opinion from the municipal tax assessor, than using the Woodend Fund.

“I’ll check with John O’Donnell (tax assessor), but I don’t think the Woodend Fund can be used for a speculative land deal,” Sarmanian said.

The Woodend Fund was established over four decades ago to purchase a municipal boat access. Voters have added boat excise tax receipts into the fund over the years. However, the town has been unsuccessful in locating a public launch on either the Damariscotta or Sheepscot rivers.

Hathorne will meet with the property owners on Aug. 6 to update them on the discussion with the selectmen. Sarmanian will update the committee regarding the tax assessor’s opinion about making an estimate on how a potential land sale would impact the remaining eight acres of valuation.

In other action, the selectmen unanimously approved two new policies. The board approved a new Cyber & Email policy which is based on the town of Southport’s. The policy outlines acceptable usage of municipal internet, social media, and cell phone usage. By adopting an official policy, it provides Maine Municipal Association insurance liability coverage for town employees and elected officials using social media and other new technological communication devices.

The selectmen also approved a new town hall building usage policy. Residents will be charged $75 for four hours or less rental, and $100 for between 4-12 hours of use. Non-residents will be charged $100 for four hours or less rental, and $125 for between 4-12 hours rental. All renters will be charged a $50 cleaning deposit which may refunded. The selectmen also reserve the right to waive or amend any fee.

Town Treasurer Claudia Coffin reported the town’s financial situation is better than it was a year ago. The municipal surplus stood at $2,737 this time last year. Now it stands at over $169,000.

The figure could grow by another $24,000, according to what the auditor finds, said Coffin.

“A budget committee member said last year we needed a plan, and well we have a plan, and it’s working,” she said.

The selectmen will meet next at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15 in the municipal building.