Select Board authorizes town manager to sign Midcoast COG climate resilience contract

The Searsport Select Board on Monday authorized the town manager to sign a contract with the Midcoast Council of Governments (MCOG) to administer Climate Action Grant Services after staff confirmed the town was awarded a climate resilience grant.

James, speaking as the town manager, told the board that the committee that developed the application had been notified of the award and that he reviewed records to ensure the town had authority to accept and manage the grant. Select Board members moved to reauthorize the manager to sign the contract with MCOG; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous vote.

The board did not specify contract dollar amounts during the discussion. James said the grant had been awarded to the town and that staff would manage related permits and administrative duties. No members requested additional conditions or delays before authorizing the signature.

By approving the reauthorization, the board enabled staff to finalize the agreement with MCOG and proceed with grant implementation. The town manager will return with routine progress updates as work on the grant proceeds.