Lincoln County taxpayers will pay more for county services this year. On April 5, the three commissioners approved an $11,754,515 tax commitment for 2022 which reflects a 7.4% increase. County officials reduced the final commitment figure by using $300,000 from surplus and discontinuing overlay. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer explained overlay hadn’t been “actively used” in several years. Discontinuing overlay offset taxes by $90,000.  

In other action, commissioners accepted $1,623 in drug asset forfeiture funds. Chief Deputy Rand Maker reported the department helped Maine Drug Enforcement officials in an August 2021 investigation. The cooperation led to arresting Gary Beverage and David Beal, both of Jefferson, for drug trafficking. Investigators reported a search warrant resulted in the seizure of 153 grams of cocaine, 25 grams of fentanyl, $5,600 in suspected drug proceeds, and three firearms.

Commissioners approved Finance Director Michelle Richardson’s selection for the department’s new bookkeeper. Commissioners voted unanimously to hire Caitlin Tardif of Brunswick. Richardson said Tardif had two decades’ experience as a bookkeeper. 

Emergency Management Agency Director Casey Stevens introduced commissioners to the county’s “HAMbulance.” The vehicle is a former ambulance converted into a vehicle used by the department’s Ham radio operators. Stevens sought a $2, 934.08 purchase order for brake line repair and other brake-related parts. 

Commissioners approved two communications center purchase orders using American Rescue Plan Act funds. DiMauro Electric, Inc. received $3,817.30 for electrical wiring and installing five new consoles in the communications center.  The second was $8,085 to Consolidated Communications for new radio equipment and installation. Commissioners also approved extending a one-year lease agreement with Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce to use Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission’s foyer. 

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 19 in the courthouse.