April 11th | GENERAL

Your Voice Matters: Wiscasset Calls for Public Input in Comprehensive Plan Survey

The future of our town is in your hands! Wiscasset is embarking on a journey to shape its future through comprehensive planning, and we need your valuable input to make it happen.

The Wiscasset Comprehensive Plan Committee is excited to announce the launch of our community survey. This survey is a vital tool for gathering insights, ideas, and priorities from residents, business owners, and stakeholders across our community. Your participation will directly influence the decisions and strategies that will guide the development and growth of Wiscasset in the coming years.

Participating in the survey is easy and convenient. Simply visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wiscassetcompplan24 to access the online survey platform. The survey will be open from April 11, 2024 to June 30, 2024, so be sure to make your voice heard before the deadline. You’ll also have the option to enter you name into a raffle for a gift certificate to a local restaurant (your answers will not be connected to your name) if you complete the survey.

Additionally, printed copies of the survey will be available at the Town Office and Community Center, allowing those without internet access to participate.

Whether you're a long-time resident, a newcomer, a business owner, or someone who simply loves our town, your perspective is invaluable. By sharing your thoughts and priorities, you can help us address important issues, seize opportunities, and create a vision for Wiscasset that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community.

The survey covers a wide range of topics, including education, housing, economic development, recreation, natural resources, and more. Your input will inform the creation of a comprehensive plan that will serve as a roadmap for the future of Wiscasset, guiding policies, investments, and initiatives to enhance our quality of life and ensure sustainable growth.

We encourage every resident and stakeholder to take a few moments to complete the survey and share it with friends, family, and neighbors. Together, we can shape a vibrant and prosperous future for Wiscasset.

Additionally, stay tuned for more opportunities to share your input, including public workshops both in-person and over zoom.

Thank you for your commitment to our community and your willingness to contribute to this important planning process. Your input is the key to our success!

Sincerely,

Sarah Whitfield

Chair, Wiscasset Comprehensive Plan Committee

selectmanwhitfield@wiscasset.org

April 15th | GENERAL

Patriots' Day

The Town Office will be closed on Monday, April 15, 2024, in observance of Patriots' Day.

April 10th | GENERAL

Economic Impact of Wiscasset Municipal Airport (KIWI)

MaineDOT regularly commissions studies on the Economic Impacts of Airports in Maine. These studies investigate the overall economic impact of all airports in the State and the individual impact of each airport. Attached are summaries from their last two studies, 2006 and 2022, for Wiscasset. Below are excerpts from their studies:

Wiscasset Airport is a general aviation airport located on Chewonki Neck Road.

Although open year-round, it is unattended from January to March. The Airport offers regular hours of attendance throughout the rest of the year. The Airport features a single asphalt runway, 07/25, which is 3,397’ by 75’ and has medium-intensity edge lights. It sells and offers 24-credit card fuel operations for 100LL and Jet-A fuel types and provides hangars and tie-downs for aircraft parking.

In 2022, the airport had 31 aircraft, including 28 single-engine planes, two multi-engine airplanes, and a helicopter. Estimated aircraft operations totaled 7,200, with 3,800 local, 3,100 itinerant, 25 military, and 275 air taxi operations. The airport serves as an access point for the Midcoast region and is a popular destination for tourists seeking maritime experiences, historical sites, scenic coastal views, and Maine’s renowned seafood. The airport accommodates aviation for tourism, business, emergency healthcare, and personal flying. (2022 Maine State Aviation System Economic Impact Analysis)

Economic Benefits

Wiscasset Airport brings economic value to the area through its air transportation function. In 2022, the total economic impact was $1.61 million, supporting 11 jobs and contributing $56,800 in State and local taxes. (2022 Maine State Aviation System Economic Impact Analysis)

Budgetary Impact

The Proposed FY 25 Budget has no tax impact on Wiscasset taxpayers. It includes $138,452 in Revenues and $114,577 in Expenses, with an overall net contribution to the Town of $23,875.

In summary

For a town of its size, Wiscasset has a remarkable infrastructure that benefits its local businesses. (2006 Maine State Aviation System Economic Impact Analysis)

April 9th | GENERAL

Request for Proposal-Town Revaluation

The Town of Wiscasset seeks competitive proposals for a complete revaluation (Project) of all taxable and tax- exempt real and personal property within the Town of Wiscasset, Maine (Town) effective no later than April 1, 2026 (The effective date). The expected tax commitment date, using these values, is mid- September immediately following the effective date.

BACKGROUND

Wiscasset is home to the “Prettiest Village in Maine” and is located along the beautiful Sheepscot River in the midcoast region. The Town is the Shire Town for Lincoln County and offers a uniquely peaceful and healthy living environment, yet is also an easy commute to both Portland and Augusta commercial centers. Active and diverse businesses are located throughout the village and along Routes 1 and 27.

Wiscasset is a service center for the southern Lincoln County region and works cooperatively with neighboring towns on EMS, solid waste and other services. Travel is enhanced by two major state routes, which lead to other opportunities for health, arts, recreation, and business.

The Town welcomes its summertime residents and guests to Wiscasset to experience the way life should be!

Wiscasset spans 27.66 square miles, with 24.63 square miles which is land and 3.03 square miles which is water. According to the 2020 U.S decennial Census, the Town’s full-time population is approximately 3800.

The last full revaluation was in 2007.

The Town uses Harris for Local Government TRIO system for both real and personal property, which is hosted and maintained on the Town’s local server system.This system is utilized for the valuation of bothrealandpersonalestates.

There are approximately 2,545 total real estate accounts. Included in which are approximately 154 commercial and industrial properties and 177 exempt properties. The commercial properties are largely small-medium scale retail stores and service business, along with some light manufacturing facilities.

There are approximately 159 business personal property accounts with BETE accounts averaging approximately23peryear.

The towns preliminary 2023 equalized State Valuation is $634,550,920.

For full project details click here.

April 5th | GENERAL

Wiscasset Earth Day Celebration

Saturday April 27, 2024

9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Wiscasset Community Center

March 12th | GENERAL

Boards/Committee openings

Interested in serving your town? Then do we have a deal for you. The selectboard is seeking to fill vacancies on the waterfront committee, planning board and appeals board. If you are interested in joining these active group of volunteers you may fill out and submit an online application here Boards & Committees application or stop by the town office. The waterfront committee typically meets once a month, planning board as needed or twice a month and appeals board only as needed

March 5th | GENERAL

Short-term rental Business license

Short-term rental Business License