Today

First Selectman Nelson Grindal.

At the turn of a new century, the biggest issues facing Sedgwick residents invariably involve efforts to control taxes.

“Like every small town, we’re dealing with the property tax issue,” said First Selectman Nelson Grindal.

“There’s not a whole lot that can be done about it until some legislation is passed to change the way things are done. Everything in town is financed by property taxes.”

Grindal said the issue is especially vexing in Sedgwick because the town’s considerable blueberry and forestland is in abated tax categories. Also, the town doesn’t have the extensive shore frontage and corresponding high valuation properties that its neighboring towns enjoy.

“All we can do is vote to spend less money at the town meeting,” he said. “We need to vote only what’s really needed in the town, or have more businesses in town to bring the tax base up.”

Foremost among items taxpayers are supporting this year is a renovation of the Town House.

Built in 1794, the Town House is considered to be the oldest Town House in continuous use in Maine.

Last month, voters approved $10,000 to be used with a $40,000 state grant for historic preservation.

Linda Long, chair of the Town House Restoration Committee, said the town wants to retain the character of the old building and make no alterations, “just pretty it up.”

That will involve restoration of windows, a new ceiling, and stabilizing and repairing walls.

The restoration grant was awarded last March. Phase II of the process involved writing a restoration plan.

Currently, specifications for work to be done are being drawn. After that, the various projects will be put out to bid. Some work, such as restoring windows at an offsite facility, would be done over the winter.

The project would be finished next spring.

Another project under way is the construction of a 12-foot-by-12-foot vault. The vault will be built on the rear portion of the town office and used to preserve town archives.

The town purchased property on Ridge Road that will be used to store salt and sand for winter roads. Salt and sand will be stored on an asphalt pad to be built at the site.

Grindal said that over the next few years, the town must raise money to build a shed for storing salt and sand.

Creating and maintaining public access to the ocean and Walker Pond remain a priority.

The town owns shorefront property on Walker Pond and is negotiating access to the property.

Grindal said Selectman Jeff Allen is working with Blue Hill Heritage Trust and two private landowners to establish a right-of-way agreement.

A parking area near a walking access to Billings Cove is being created to make it easier for residents to access the ocean.

“People want lower taxes and access to shore frontage, things they’ve had all their lives,” Grindal said. “And that’s the type of things we’re working on.”