Lincoln County Commissioners unanimously approved a $11,039,219 budget  for 2021 during the Dec. 15 meeting. The county budget reflects $199,942 more in spending or a 1.85% increase. Commissioners approved the budget after receiving the Budget Advisory Committee’s recommendation for adoption.

With two weeks left in the year, Sheriff Todd Brackett expects a “hefty surplus” in his department’s 2020 budget. Brackett reported the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in the surplus along with several department vacancies and effective overtime budgeting. Brackett sought to use department unspent funds for a couple un-budgeted items. He received approval to buy two traffic radar units totaling $4,460 and 27 heavy-duty face shields costing $2,538. Brackett described the face shields as being used for more than virus containment. “They are not typical face masks. They are used for front line use protection by officers involved in a struggle,” he said.

Brackett also received approval to buy a budgeted item. Commissioners authorized spending $65,672 for two new cruisers. The county bought two Ford Interceptors from Darling’s Ford in Bangor. Brackett may seek authorization for another budgeted item, body cameras, at the next meeting. 

In other action, commissioners unanimously authorized a $2,880 purchase order for the digital mobile radio project. The county is converting its law enforcement radio signals from analog to digital.  In a test, officials discovered the digital signal was not accurate due to improper alignment. Repair work was completed, and county officials are ready for another test. Repairs were paid through Homeland Security funds.

County Administrator Carrie Kipfer received authorization to switch telephone providers. Commissioners authorized Kipfer to use Granite Telecom of Massachusetts for 18 county copper telephone line accounts. Granite Telecom is a wholesale purchaser of telephone and internet lines. Kipfer reported the county would receive a discounted telephone service rate. Granite Telecom estimated it could save Lincoln County $162 per month. “There is no contract. If we don’t like it, we can switch back,” Kipfer said. 

With 2021 approaching, commissioners approved their new bi-monthly meeting schedule. Commissioners will continue to meet at the Lincoln County Region Planning Commission building in Wiscasset for their January and February meetings. Commissioners reappointed William Blodgett to serve as their Maine County Commissioners Association representative. 

Kipfer reported the recycling center baler conveyor system failed due to worn out gears. She described the system as “old” and was not sure parts were readily available to replace the gears. Kipfer is looking for repair options because replacing the system would cost an estimated $200,000.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4.