An auditors’ report by Berry Talbot Royer praised Lincoln County Finance Director Michelle Cearbaugh for organizing the county’s financial situation. Among other things, the county has yet to dip into its tax anticipation note. Several years ago, the county started drawing on the TAN in January. Cearbaugh doesn’t expect the county to draw until June, saving six months in interest.

By bringing payroll back in house, the county has also saved a great deal, Cearbaugh said.

According to the audit, the county is in excellent fiscal health. Issues included an unrestricted negative balance that related to pension obligations the county cannot control, and a high concentration of investments in a small number of funds. The suggestion was to consider broadening investment options.

Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett confirmed Sgt. Mark Bridgham will retire in July.

Emergency Management will attend a Project Lifesaver conference on grantwriting and responses when a client has Alzheimer’s disease or autism. Five members of the amateur radio group are now qualified to drive the “Hambulance.” The plan to install an antenna on the courthouse tower has been postponed until a company with more than one employee can take the job. 

The Communications Department recorder needs to be replaced, for $17,000 to $22,000; there are funds in the reserve account.

A part-time job will be eliminated at the Registry of Deeds as a result of electronic communication in the department and the state, and use of the Registry of Deeds’ online service.

A summer intern is being hired for a vacant job in the Lincoln County Regional Planning Office. Colleen Hendrix of Wiscasset will be a senior next year at University of Maine at Machias.