Lincoln County Sheriff's Department's 11-month-old K-9 became sick during training and required surgery. Zeke, a Black labrador, chewed up a rubber mat and swallowed several pieces. He was transported to a Portland emergency veterinary hospital to remove the rubber pieces. Oct. 15, Lincoln County commissioners approved paying the $3,229.90 veterinary bill.

Sheriff Todd Brackett reported Zeke has returned to training. Brackett also sought commissioners' approval to purchase veterinary insurance for the department's two police dogs. Bear, a German shephard, is the other K-9. 

"I'm not looking for a decision today, but this is something we've had in the past," Brackett said. "These dogs work in all kinds of conditions which is signficantly different from a household pet. So I'm checking to see what direction you (commissioners) want to take."

Commissioners directed Brackett to seek insurance quotes, and present them at a future meeting. 

Brackett received permission to request proposals to hire a  behavioral health liason. The sheriff is seeking a contract with a local medical provider to assist his department in emergency responses regarding mental health issues.

In March, commissioners authorized up to $150,000 for additional sheriff's department mental health services. Brackett envisions a 40-hour per week position where health professionals attend calls with law enforcement. "This would be the first year and it would allow us to see how it works," he said. "At the time of the call, the person would respond with us in the vehicle. This would be beneficial dealing with repeat callers."

The sheriff reported other local law enforcement agencies use a behavioral health liason, including Augusta Police Department and Sagadahoc and Knox county sheriff's departments, according to Brackett. 

Brackett said he would contact Sweetser, LincolnHealth, Midcoast Hospital and Volunteers of America as possible partners. 

In other action, commissioners accepted a $142,500 Operation Stonegarden Homeland Security grant. Brackett told commissioners the annual grant assists local law enforcement agencies in working with the U.S. Border Patrol. "Every year since 2019, we received this grant," he said. "It provides funds for overtime and vehicles so we can provide additional support to monitor harbors and the coastline."

The 2024 Operation Stonegarden funds are shared locally with Wiscasset and Damariscotta police departments, state police, the state warden's service and state marine patrol. Last year's grant was $176,000, said Brackett. 

Commissioners renewed a contract between the town of Wiscasset and Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission. Executive Director Emily Rabbe reported the extension would continue services provided under the previous deal.

Rabbe explained the commission's role as assisting Wiscasset's planning board with site plan and subdivision reviews, advising their ordinance review committee on land use ordinances and work with their comprehensive planning committee.  Rabbe reported Wiscasset pays $30,000 under the deal.

County Administrator Carrie Kipfer announced a longtime communications center employee resigned. Deputy Director Rob Bickford is making a career change to work full-time as an emergency medical technician.  "He has worked part-time for the Waldoboro Ambulance Service for years, and decided he wants to do it full-time," she said.

Kipfer reported Bickford served the communications center for over 20 years. His final day is Nov. 1.

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