Lincoln County commissioners unanimously hired Brendan Parker of Dresden Jan. 7 as the Communications Center deputy director. Parker previously worked in the department before returning and accepting his new post. 

In other action, commissioners authorized a $10,395 rental payment for Blinn Hill Tower. The Communications Center is sharing a rental fee for the Midcoast Tower with the sheriff's department. Communications Center Director Tara Doe told commissioners her department's share is $14,400.

Other payment authorizations included $9,514.80  for the annual Zetron Dispatch licensing fee. This software operates emergency communication dispatch systems. Commissioners also approved $29,943.81 to RCM (Radio Communication Management) Radio Systems of Portland for a maintenance agreement.

County Administrator Carrie Kipfer reported DiMauro Electric of Bristol replaced an electrical panel which "aged out" in the communications center. She told commissioners the repair cost an estimated $10,000. "It was causing some issues, and possibly could've caused problems to the courthouse and sheriff's office," Kipfer said. 

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 in the courthouse.