Law enforcement will soon have an extra set of "eyes" on routes 1 and 27. On Oct. 1, Lincoln County commissioners approved spending $56,368.98 of federal grant money on a license plate reader. Sheriff Todd Brackett called the device "an important investigative tool."

He told commissioners the plate reader stationed at the well-traveled Wiscasset intersection would capture all license plate numbers for 90 days. "It will work like the ones used by the Maine Turnpike Authority. If we get a report and the witness can provide at least the first three numbers, we can search the data and find possible matches."

The county is using two federal grants to finance the purchase. In 2021, Lincoln County received a Homeland Safety Grant which accounts for $24,499 in plate reader funding. The remaining funds come from an Operation Stonegarden grant totaling $30,369.

Another federal grant will pay for future bullet proof vests purchases. The sheriff's department received approval to seek a Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant. Brackett explained the grant would reimburse agencies 50% for purchasing as many as four vests.

Commissioners approved another grant application request. The sheriff's department will seek a $5,000 Highway Safety Grant for enhanced highway patrols and addressing community traffic concerns. Brackett explained the grant would also allow for additional meetings with community members to discuss traffic concerns.

In other action, commissioners approved hiring Lucy Jameson of Waldoboro as a 911 emergency dispatch officer. Jameson starts Oct. 2. 

Lincoln County Recycling received approval to purchase six new tires for a 2001 Mack truck for $3,783. The recycling center is also shopping for a box truck. Kipfer reported the current truck is 23 years old and "starting to show its age." She requested approval for shopping for a used, replacement. Commissioners authorized spending between $30,000 and $35,000 if an appropriate replacement was found. 

Commissioners extended a contract with Steele's Landscaping of Wiscasset. For the past six years, landscaping services cost Lincoln County $17,000 per year. But this three-year contract will increase Steele's fee.  For the next three years, Steele receives an increase to $22,000 per year. "There was no increase in the last contract. So, the increase really isn't all that much," Kipfer said. Steele's provides plowing and sanding services for the courthouse and Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission's office. 

Kipfer also displayed two new automatic external defibrillators during the meeting. She contacted Schacknow Family Foundation, Inc. in Southport about the need for additional units. "I told them about our need for AEDs at the planning office and recycling center, and they agreed to donate two," she said.

This brings the county's total number of AEDs to four. The others are in the sheriff's office and the communications center. 

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 in the courthouse.