At the Lincoln County budget public hearing Sept. 28 at the Lincoln County Courthouse, attendees heard from County Administrator Carrie Kipfer about offices having been moved around; changes to the communications department and Emergency Management Agency; how the diversion program – via Maine PreTrial Services, the Sheriff’s Office  and Addiction Resource Center – is working to keep people out of jail at cost savings described as significant, although difficult to calculate; how changes in finance have saved about $1 million and reduced credit; the county’s welcoming of a new district attorney and chief deputy; and that the recycling and composting programs are working well to protect the environment and save tipping fees.

Attendees learned the cost drivers are commodities such as water, fuel and health care. Kipfer said the three county unions had finally signed contracts after working under expired ones for more than a year. She also said anyone will soon be able to access county records online from the comfort of home.

Almost all the attendees were public officials, county employees, or members of the budget committee.

Kipfer said it is not unusual for the public hearing and the budget committee meetings to be lightly attended. “It’s frustrating,” she said. “The county budget is a large part of municipal budgets, and people in the towns sometimes complain that they don’t have any input, but we make these opportunities for people to learn about what the county does and to be heard,” she said. “All of these meetings are in the paper, and we welcome community participation.”

The budget committee meets next at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 in the Communications Center.