Language in Edgecomb's Tax Increment Finance District agreement may prove pivotal in two upcoming municipal courses of action. A TIF is used to promote economic development, and two organizations are inquiring about legal language within the document.

John Allen is a member of the municipal website committee. He is also the president of the Sheepscot Harbor Resort Condo Association. On Sept. 2, Allen spoke to Edgecomb selectmen about using TIF funds to upgrade the municipal website and how amending housing restrictions on Davis Island would impact the district.

Allen told selectmen the municipal website should be used as an economic development tool. The website was developed in 2015 which Allen described as needing a major update and inquired about using TIF dollars for the project. "I think everybody agrees a lot needs to be done to bring us up to current speed of life. I'm thinking we could use TIF dollars to help make that happen," he said. 

Allen estimated it would cost between $3,000 to $5,000 for a new website and few dollars on an annual basis for maintenance.  Municipalities are restricted on using the captured additional valuations within the TIF district by state law. The captured valuations can be used for economic development. In past years, Town Clerk Claudia Coffin reported TIF dollars were used on building a new fire station and fire fighting equipment. Chairman Michael Maxim responded the board would need to check whether a new website qualified as economic development.

If a new website qualifies as economic development, Edgecomb voters would decide at a town meeting whether to use TIF funds on the proposal. 

Allen then shifted his focus to the Sheepscot Harbor Resort Condo Association which has 69 units. The majority are designated as non-dwelling units and under municipal ordinances  prohibit stoves in the units. Allen, on behalf of the association, wants a designation change from non-dwelling to dwelling. He is checking with municipal officials about how a designation change would impact the TIF agreement. "We aren't sure what the impact to the (TIF) district would be. I don't see any deed restrictions against it, but the language is vague."

Selectmen agreed to contact their lawyer to check into the TIF regarding both the website redesign and condo association requests.

In other action, selectmen approved an Oct. 3 town hall rental to Sierra Hallstrom of Wiscasset for her one-year-old son's first birthday party. As a non-resident, the town will charge her $125 for the day plus a $50 cleaning deposit. 

Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Director Emily Huber attended the meeting and invited Edgecomb residents to participate in the hazard mitigation planning which included monthly meetings. 

Selectmen entered into an executive session for a discussion with the fire chief and municipal health officer.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16 in the conference room.