There are three new faces in the Lincoln County Courthouse this summer. On July 5, commissioners welcomed Emily Huber as the new County Emergency Management Agency Assistant Director and intern Brianna Prentiss as an intern. County Building Supervisor Jason Lorrain is also a recent hire. Lorrain began his new job last week after previously working as a landscaping contractor and Boothbay code enforcement officer. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer described Lorrain as a “good fit” for the position. 

Lorrain is planning several projects this fall. “I think the team already in place is working well, and I’m looking to blend in. Right now, we’re picking away at a few projects. This fall, we are looking at replacing a cement wall by the communication center and a concrete block wall near the parking lot,” he said.

In other action, commissioners approved a new communication supervisor job description. The new language is more detailed regarding the director’s and assistant director’s positions. “The description was written in 2014. The new description now encompasses fire dispatch protocols not previously in place,” said Kipfer. “With a new policy in place, I think it's time to post for the vacant supervisor position which has been vacant for quite a while.” Commissioners approved Kipfer’s request to post it both internally and externally. Kipfer said, “depending upon the quality of candidates, we may hire two.”

The communications center is also considering moving its Blinn Hill tower equipment. Kipfer explained a weather antenna on the tower is interfering with their radio operations. County officials are considering moving the equipment to another tower less than 500 yards away. “The current tower is already crowded,” Kipfer said. “A weather antenna interferes with our equipment which covers Dresden, Whitefield and northern Wiscasset. We’d like to explore the possibility of moving to the other tower.” Under the current tower agreement, Lincoln County pays nothing to lease its tower space. The other tower would cost about $7,200 per year which is at “market rate,” according to Kipfer.

Commissioners approved a law enforcement software licensing agreement with Central Square. Under the agreement, Lincoln County will use $585,319 in American Recovery Plan Act funds to buy the updated software. Communications Center Director Tara Doe told commissioners the software connects dispatchers to the county deputies and other local law enforcement.

County Assistant Planner Laura Graziano reported the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry renewed its annual contract. The state will provide a $13,920 grant to Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission to provide continued inland and coastal assistance for local towns.  

Commissioners approved a $11,532.68 purchase order for four mobile data units also known as “tough books.” Kipfer said these rugged laptop computers are designed specially for being kept in a police cruiser. 

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 18 in the courthouse.