WINTERPORT — Town Manager Arthur Ellingwood has sent letters to five surrounding towns asking that their officials meet with the Winterport selectmen to discuss the possibility of sharing the costs for a certified code enforcement officer.

Ellingwood said there is a state mandate requiring all towns to have a certified code enforcement officer by Jan. 1.

So far, said the manager, he has heard from Frankfort and Monroe officials who are interested in a meeting.

He also wrote to officials in Newburgh, Prospect and Stockton Springs.

There would be little work for a code enforcement officer in Winterport because the town only has shoreland zoning and a subivision ordinance. The other area towns are in a similar position. “If we had to hire a certified code enforcement officer we’d be paying some pretty good money. It is cheaper for us to share one. I initiated this because it is in Winterport’s best interest and also serves the other towns. I like to be proactive here,” said the manager.