The Rainbow flag, a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer pride, will fly over Southport’s town hall for the month of June.

On Feb. 7, Byron Cortez requested the town fly the flag in a countywide effort to promote LGBTQIA+ pride along with a town proclamation in support of Pride Month.

The group will seek Boothbay’s approval for a proclamation and to fly the Rainbow flag on Feb. 14, according to Boothbay Town Manager Dan Bryer.

In other action, selectmen hired William Brewer, a certified public accountant, to audit the municipal books for 2023. Southport will pay Brewer $8,000 for the audit. Selectmen also received the 2022 municipal audit from Brewer, and it will be included in the town report. 

Selectmen received a request from Paul and Mary Bloch to reserve the town hall for Labor Day weekend. Selectmen tabled a previous request due to an unresolved shoreland zone violation. Previously, the building inspector reported an alleged tree-cutting violation by the Blochs. Selectmen consulted with their municipal attorney, and eventually assessed an $8,000 fine. The Blochs filed an appeal.

Selectmen wanted the appeal resolved prior to allowing the rental. Gamage said he didn’t know if an appeal hearing date is scheduled. Selectmen, again, tabled the Bloch’s request to reserve the rental date.

Selectmen did approve the Friends of Southport Historical Society’s request for a Feb. 9 rental.

Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb.14.