After a lengthy search, Lincoln Academy has a new school resource officer. On Feb. 7, Lincoln County commissioners approved Mark Fortin as a new deputy sheriff. Sheriff Todd Brackett reported Fortin would also serve as the Lincoln Academy SRO. Other hires included Nicholas Rioux as a dispatcher for Lincoln County Communications starting Feb. 10. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer reported Rioux previously worked as a Bowdoin College security officer and served as an emergency dispatcher for the college.

The third new hire is Brandon Achorn as a recycling assistant. Kipfer reported Achorn  had several years of experience working at a transfer station. “He understands working with a compactor and has experience working with other equipment. He may start as early this week,” Kipfer said. 

Brackett also announced a sheriff’s department promotion. He said Deputy Jonathan Colby advanced in rank to patrol sergeant. He replaces Jared Mitkus who recently transferred to the criminal investigation division. 

In other action, Brackett said the department extended agreements with four towns. The sheriff’s department extended animal control officer agreements for one year with Dresden, Waldoboro and Newcastle, and extended a shellfish enforcement contract with Bremen. 

Commissioners authorized renewal fees for six ankle monitoring units. Brackett said the renewal fees cost $5,700 in total. Commissioners also approved $3,200 for online training fees. Brackett said the online programs saved the department time and money. 

In 2020, Lincoln County requested a federal grant for drone purchases. Funding recently became available so commissioners authorized buying two drones for $19,076 each. One drone is for the sheriff’s department. The second is for the county emergency management agency. 

The sheriff’s department received authorization to sell a used Ford SUV to Two Bridges Jail Authority. Brackett estimated the vehicle needed about $3,000 in repairs. He told commissioners the SUV was worth between $1,000 and $1,500. 

Kipfer received authorization to buy five Dell computer laptops and one server. The laptops are being bought for $5,183.02 through a state program. Kipfer explained the server would provide record management for the sheriff’s department and replace an eight-year-old model. Commissioners authorized $10,492.31 for the server.

Commissioners authorized $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for a Five Rivers Regional Water Council water study. Wiscasset, Boothbay and Great Salt Bay water districts are members along with Bath, Brunswick-Topsham, Bowdoinham and Richmond.

Commissioners held two executive sessions, one on a legal matter, the other on a personnel issue. Kipfer reported commissioners took no action following both sessions. Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 in the courthouse.