Recent heavy winds and tides have resulted in Southport Pier’s destruction. On Jan. 10, Selectman Gerry Gamage reported the pier as a total loss and needed replacing. During the weekly board meeting, Gamage estimated a replacement cost approaching $400,000. “It’s all done. It’s finished,” he said.

On Jan. 8, the budget committee completed its spending recommendations for the town meeting warrant, but the pier’s destruction may require another assessment.“Rebuilding the town landing is way above and beyond another budget committee meeting, but we will know when we meet next Wednesday if they want to discuss it,” Gamage said.

Selectmen will seek federal funds for rebuilding the landing. “It’s reasonable we can get FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) funds, but we can’t bank on it. This may also be a good opportunity for new (pier) piles and putting a cement deck on it,” he said.

In other action, selectmen appointed Amy Harkins to replace Rob Hopkins as the town’s Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District representative. Hopkins served as the representative for 22 years. He is retiring as the Squirrel Island manager April 1 and may be moving out of the area. So Hopkins has searched for a replacement for nearly a year. 

Harkins described her new job as something “interesting.”

Selectmen approved a town hall rental for a Jan. 12 memorial service requested by Robert Barter. Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17.