A 200 year-old building is getting a new look. The Lincoln County Courthouse turns 200 this year, and county officials want to make sure it looks good in its bicentennial year. Commissioners voted, 3-0, to allow County Administrator Carrie Kipfer to search for a contractor to paint the building’s cupola for a cost not exceeding $18,235. Kipfer told commissioners the cupola is in “dire need of a new paint job.”

So far, the county has three contractors interested. Two contractors submitted bids, and Kipfer is awaiting a third. Kipfer presented the two received bids to commissioners during the Feb. 20 meeting. The lowest bid is $9,000, and high bid is $18,235. Kipfer is awaiting receipt of the third before naming contractors. “The high bid includes everything,” she said. “If rot is found or repairs are needed they can do it. The $9,000 bidder would need to rent a lyft and repairing the trim or other damage would cost more. I won’t know which one to recommend until I see the third bid.”

In other action, commissioners approved two new job descriptions. One is for Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission. Executive Director Emily Rabbe presented a new job description for her position. She envisions a more dynamic position based on changing job demands. She also requested a county planner position reclassification. Rabbe proposed splitting the planner into two separate positions: community resilency and land use/transportation. “The position of county planner really needs to be done by two,” Rabbe said. “The community resource planner provides assistance for project planning, research and communication on environmental, sustainability, resiliency, hazard mitigation and grant writing. The second would be a traditional county planner’s role focusing on land use and transportation issues.”

Commissioners approved both requests.

Sheriff Todd Brackett proposed a new job description for a community resource deputy. The resource officer works with Lincoln County TRIAD, a multi-agency council aimed at reducing senior citizen victimization. The officer would also work on truancy issues and with the Maine Options (Overdose Prevention Through Intensive Outreach Naloxone and Safety) liaison employed by Sweetser. Maine Options is a state program created in 2020 to combat rising fatal drug overdoses. Maine Options provides a mobile response team in every county promoting drug prevention.

Brackett also requested a hiring and recruitment incentive for transport deputies similar to one for patrol officers. Brackett proposed a hiring bonus of up to $3,000. The transport division is down two officers due to a recent retirement and transfer. Sergeants and patrol officers are currently filling shifts in the resource division. The resource officer focuses solely on court security and transportation. “We’ve advertised twice in the past four months without success,” Brackett said. ”There is a growing need for an officer, and it’s now getting a little Helter-Skelter. We haven’t had any luck in attracting an officer, so I’m hoping this will help.”

Commissioners granted Brackett’s requests.

The sheriff also received payment authorization for a $7,937 annual software subscription. The software is used for department document management. The sheriff also received permission to sell a 2013 Dodge Caravan. The van was used by the county animal control officer. “We typically put it out to bid on the website with a $1,000 minimum bid or Blue Book value. I don’t expect to get much,” he said. 

Commissioners approved Brackett’s request to seek bidders. Brackett will return with the high bid for commissioners’ approval on the sale.

Communications Director Tara Doe requested a $2,948.50 payment authorization for the Eaton UPS (uninterrupted power supply) backup emergency repair. Kipfer reported the system failed to operate during the recent power outrage caused by a storm. Commissioners approved the request.

Doe also received approval to add an Emergency Management System channel to the dispatch radio system and towers. The county already has radio channels dedicated to fire and law enforcement. The additional channel costs $404,204.97. The federal Center for Disease Control will pay $80,000, according to Kipfer. “The county budget committee favored putting this request in the budget. The price is higher than expected, but the grant brought it back to where we expected it,” she said. “This allows each agency their own (unified) channel. On mutual aid calls, EMS personnel won’t have to search for a new channel to communicate with emergency dispatchers.”

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 5 in the courthouse.