Wells Select Board advances public safety bond, retires police K-9

The Wells Select Board held public hearings and took up several items at its October 6 meeting, including a proposed $5.5 million public safety bond referendum and a sewer main project near the National Wildlife Refuge. The board also recognized a land donation to the Wildlife Commons and marked the retirement of police K-9 Sobacus after roughly nine years of service. Several votes passed unanimously, and board members debated a proposal to recoup public safety costs from campgrounds and hotels.

Key points

• The board closed a public hearing on the proposed public safety facility improvements and a $5.5 million general obligation bond, which would renovate and expand the existing fire station and provide a permanent home for Wells EMS.
• A public hearing on the General Assistance Ordinance was closed and approved 5-0.
• The board accepted a land donation from Beth Saluno to the Wildlife Commons, honoring longtime resident Tony and his service to the town.
• The board voted 5-0 to temporarily restrict increases in mobile home park rents and charges until town meeting decides whether to enact a rent stabilization ordinance.
• A public hearing was scheduled for October 20, 2026 at 6 p.m. in the 208 Silverfield Meeting Room on the beach parking permit policy.
• Board members disagreed over a proposal to recoup public safety costs from campgrounds, hotels, motels, and cottages, with one member objecting to the $68 figure.

Next steps

• Schedule and hold the October 20, 2026 public hearing on the beach parking permit policy.
• Continue the easement process with the National Wildlife Refuge for the sewer main project.
• Schedule a public hearing on the campground and lodging public safety cost proposal, with possible implementation for the coming season.
• Send a letter of thanks for service, as moved and approved 5-0.

Read the full transcript