After 2.5 years in the job, Lincoln County Communications Director Tom Nelson is leaving his post. Nelson submitted his resignation to county commissioners March 2 during the bi-monthly meeting. Nelson told commissioners his decision was “difficult” and made due to personal issues. “For several reasons, I’ve made this decision which I prefer not to get into,” he said. “I’ve accepted a job with Maine Health which is more in line with my experience.”

Nelson’s final day is March 19. Nelson lauded his co-workers, county administration and municipal and county public safety employees for their dedicated service. “It was a hard decision and I’ve put my heart into this position,” he said. “I’m grateful to you (commissioners) and Carrie (County Administrator Kipfer) in your faith, allowing me to lead this department and everybody involved with public safety countywide.”

Nelson also sought and received unanimous approval for renewing an $8,750 annual Zetron contract for the communications center.

In other action, commissioners unanimously approved the  $10,921,934 2021 county tax commitment which is a 1.8% increase. Lincoln County’s 2021 state valuation is $8,082,100,000. Commissioners will apply the additional $199,942  in property tax dollars to the previous year’s budget surplus. Kipfer reported all Lincoln County towns’ state valuations increased. “Monhegan’s increase was less than others resulting in a decrease for their (county) commitment,” she said.

Bristol has the highest state valuation at $1,117,100,000 and the town’s tax commitment is $1,509,619.

Boothbay had the second highest state valuation in the county. Boothbay’s valuation is $1,012,950,000 and county tax commitment is $1,368,873.

Boothbay Harbor was third highest at $781,950,000 with a $1,056,706 tax commitment.

Southport’s state valuation is $686,500,000 with a $927,717 tax commitment.

Edgecomb’s state valuation is $246,700,000 with a $333,383 tax commitment.

Alna’s state valuation is $95,900,000 with a $129,596 tax commitment.

Dresden’s state valuation is $162,050,000 with a $218,990 tax commitment.

Westport Island’s state valuation is $234,650,000 and tax commitment, $317,099.

Wiscasset’s state valuation is $489,350,000 and tax commitment, $661,294.

Sheriff Todd Brackett sought and received a $2,200 contract with Camp WAVUS for an April alternate sentencing program. The sheriff’s department will run the program between April 23 and 30. Brackett also sought approval for a new patrol officer. Commissioners approved hiring Jason Ruggiero of Brunswick. Last month, commissioners hired Wiscasset police officer Jonathan Barnes as the new Lincoln Academy school resource officer. Both hirings are pending upon clean background checks. Brackett reported once both officers are in place, the department will have a full staff for the first time in several years. Barnes is expected to begin by mid-March.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 16 at the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission office in Wiscasset.