The success of Somerville and Jefferson in securing state and federal broadband grants has emboldened Lincoln County officials to wait before spending any of their $6.7 million American Rescue Plan Act stimulus funding. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer announced March 15, both towns received Connect Maine and National Telecommunications and Infrastructure Administration grants. Somerville received $160,000 from Connect Maine and $1.4 million from NTIA. Jefferson received $350,000 from Connect Maine and $3.2 million from NTIA. 

Kipfer believed the county’s current plan of encouraging towns to seek broadband funding from other state and federal sources will stretch APRA funds. “Other Maine projects also received funding to roll out their broadband infrastructure. There is another round of grants, and we should continue to encourage our towns to submit applications,” she said. “This will allow us to use ARPA funds on other projects around the county.”

Broadband is one of three priorities commissioners named for ARPA funds. Water and sewer are the other two.

In other action, Kipfer reported Maine Department of Environmental Protection submitted a notice of taking. The property is near Nouria Energy in Wiscasset on U.S. Route 1. Commissioners also authorized a $6,843 payment to Midcoast Energy for a new boiler and installation at the planning commission.

Communications Director Tara Doe updated commissioners on the center’s renovations. The county is using ARPA funds for the project which reorganizes the console system so it poses less threat of spreading coronavirus. Doe showed commissioners a video of the center’s new look. Doe also received commissioners’ approval for a $6,220.51 payment to DiMauro Electric for installing the center’s new console.

Commissioners authorized the annual $6,900 subscription for document management software. Chief Deputy Rand Maker told commissioners the software allows for electronic storage of training records. He also sought approval to sell a 2016 Ford Explorer with over 137,000 miles. Maker proposed selling the vehicle for $2,000 to Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service. “The vehicle has outlived its usefulness to us. We made a similar deal with Wiscasset a few years ago. They cleaned it up, and got it back on the road,” he said. 

Commissioners approved installing equipment for a new hybrid cruiser. They authorized paying Coastal Communications $7,911.30 for equipment and installation. A third purchase was approved for three new ballistic vests and carriers. The department ordered five and so far has received three. The county is paying Admiral Fire and Safety $4,292.00 for three vests. New hires will wear the new vests. Maker reported a federal safety grant is paying half the cost. 

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 4 in the courthouse.