Winter Harbor selectmen move FEMA funds to investments, sign Schoodic EMS contract and end yellow trash bags

Winter Harbor selectmen on July 14 approved several routine financial motions, signed a contract with Schoodic EMS and voted to eliminate the town's yellow trash bags in favor of trash stickers.

The board voted 3-0 to move all FEMA funds into the town's investment account; that motion was made and seconded during discussion about purchasing a new pumper-tanker fire truck. The meeting record lists a Trio-General Ledger balance of $860,580.01 (as of July 11, 2025) and investment bond values of $3,497,992.22 (4/30/2025) and $3,499,504.31 (5/31/2025). Total warrants presented in the packet totaled $141,447.14.

Also on the consent-style docket, the selectmen signed the Schoodic EMS contract (vote recorded as 2-0) and approved routine financial reports, including the Treasurer’s Report (dated July 11, 2025) and the Tax Collector’s Report (July 11, 2025). The Tax Collector’s report showed taxes receivable of $60,011.28 for FY25 (97.57% collected) and $20,055.88 for FY24 (99.05% collected).

After extended discussion the board voted 3-0 to discontinue the yellow town trash bags and adopt a sticker system for trash disposal. The minutes record the motion was made and seconded and approved without recorded abstentions.

Town Manager Sara J Liscomb provided several administrative updates. She said staff members Sara and Misti are signed up for mandatory trainings including a two-day session at the end of August; Liscomb also noted she will take her certified clerk test at the end of July. Liscomb reported that after speaking with the town auditor a forensic audit would cost at least $30,000 and that an auditor recommended such a forensic review only if there is a problem with the yearly audit. She also noted the town has no governance role over the separate water and sewer districts and that the town is signing a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Gouldsboro Fire Department.

The minutes note that J. Tracey is expected to start next week as Fire Chief/Road Commissioner (start date not specified). During public comment R. Arnett requested new woodchips for the playground and D. Young thanked staff for mowing. The meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.

Votes at a glance: elect G. Harrington as chair (motion by R. Hemenway; approved 2-0); approve Selectmen minutes of June 30, 2025 (approved 3-0); approve Town Meeting minutes of June 18, 2025 (approved 3-0); approve Warrants #1 and #3 (approved 3-0); approve Treasurer’s Report (approved 3-0); approve Tax Collector’s Report (approved 3-0); sign Schoodic EMS contract (signed 2-0); discontinue yellow trash bags in favor of stickers (approved 3-0); move FEMA funds to investment account (approved 3-0).

Next steps: Personnel policy updates will be drafted by Town Manager Liscomb and returned to the board for a vote at a future meeting.