Castine residents authorize town to spend funds, negotiate lease

Residents voted unanimously to allow officials to streamline the process for a new daycare lease and spend emergency services funds

April 1, 2026

By Emily Baer

Emerson Hall was near capacity during the town’s Mar. 28 Special Meeting, where officials called for a vote on two administrative items: confirming the purpose of the Fire Rescue Building Reserve Account and authorizing the select board to negotiate a lease for a new childcare center.

The select board aimed to clarify that the reserve account, which currently holds approximately $582,000, may be used for the construction, design, and engineering of any fire and rescue facility, including a new main station or a potential substation.

After a brief discussion, the article passed unanimously.

The next article, allowing the town to negotiate a lease for a new childcare center, also passed unanimously. 

Officials have not yet finalized or distributed a request for proposals for a new daycare at 39 State Street, also known as the Round School, but said that they expect to release it soon. 

The town will hold its next regular meeting on May 9. Town Manager Derik Goodine said an article requesting an additional $250,000 for the fire rescue building reserve is expected to appear on the warrant at that time.