In Fiscal Year 21, Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset experienced a $294,919 budget shortfall due to unanticipated expenses. On Jan. 26, Lincoln County Administrator Carrie Kipfer announced under Gov. Janet Mills’ $3 million FY 22 supplemental budget, Lincoln and Sagadahoc will be reimbursed for those expenses. “The jail’s expenses exceeded revenues. I worked with (Jail Administrator) James Bailey on unanticipated and capital expenses, like repairs and purchasing new equipment for $39,000. I later spoke to the state, and those funds will be split between the two counties, and transferred to the jail,” she said. Kipfer expected the fund transfer to occur on Jan. 27. 

In other action, Sheriff Todd Brackett received approval for payment authorizations on five budgeted items. Commissioners voted 2-0 for four vehicle radio repeater payments. Brackett explained the department is working toward boosting radio signals in all patrol vehicles. The purchase order totaled $7,755.56. The sheriff also received authorization for equipping two new cruisers with lights, bars, sirens and radios. Equipment costs for one replacement vehicle, designated for Sgt. Alan Shea, is $2,826.38. The second equipment purchase order was for Brackett’s new cruiser. Its equipment costs totaled $2,670.70. The third payment authorization was for a new cruiser. Commissioners authorized $28,263 for payment to Newcastle Chrysler. Commissioners also authorized  $5,745.02 for cruiser repairs following a car-deer accident. Brackett reported the repairs were covered by insurance.

Brackett received authorization to seek a Highway Safety Grant. He is seeking a $7,494 grant designed for speed enforcement. The final authorization was for department firing range ammunition. The sheriff’s department received three quotes. Brackett recommended accepting the low quote made by  T.J. Morris & Son  of Thorofare, New Jersey. Brackett sought authorization to accept its $4,470 quote. He will notify the distributor of the commissioners’ approval and submit a payment request at a later meeting.

Commissioners upgraded their policies to comply with a new labor law. On Jan. 1, state law allows part-time employees to accrue paid time off for vacation and sick days. Under the new law, employees accrue one hour for every 40 worked. Kipfer reported the new policy would affect about a dozen county workers. Commissioners voted 2-0 to renew an employee assistance program with Midcoast Hospital in Brunswick. Under the program, the hospital provides up to three counseling sessions for county employees dealing with either work or home issues. The program cost is $1,064.

Commissioners extended three contracts. Commissioners approved a 3% increase with Siemens for the heating and air conditioning services to the courthouse and sheriff’s office. Siemens will receive $35,788 for a one-year contract. Commissioners approved $16,800 to Steele’s Landscaping of Wiscasset. The service includes snowplowing for the courthouse complex and Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission building. Commissioners also authorized $17,652 to Simards & Sons of Lewiston for completed work. In December, Simards brought the courthouse’s oil tanks up to Department of Environmental Protection compliance. The county was faced with either replacing the tank or bringing it to code to receive an additional 10-year warranty. 

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 in the LCRPC building.