For over three years, a collaboration of county and municipal officials has worked on a proposal to stabilize state funding for county corrections. Weekly meetings with representatives from the Maine County Commissioners’ Association, County Administrators’ Association, Maine Sheriffs’ Association and Maine Municipal Association have worked toward seeking more state subsidies for county jails.  

Earlier this year, the group welcomed another voice to their discussions. A representative from Gov. Janet Mills’ office joined the group. But participation from the governor’s office didn’t end with the desired result. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer updated Lincoln County commissioners March 1 about a recent setback. She reported a recent email from the governor’s office informed members that Mills would support some of the group’s proposals, but would oppose the state-sanctioned inmate piece and setting a new daily inmate rate. “Effectively, this was the basis of the bill,” Kipfer told the commissioners. “We’ve spent a lot of time working on this with all the parties. It’s disappointing, and too bad the governor’s objection weren’t made earlier.”

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee has a public hearing scheduled for March 4 regarding LD 1654: An Act to Stabilize State Funding for County Corrections. Kipfer told commissioners she thought the bill had committee support, but she didn’t know how it would fare in the legislature. 

In other action, commissioners approved a new Addiction Resource Center budget. Commissioners voted unanimously approving the $165,505 contract which funds two caseworkers. The ARC provide in-person services in Damariscotta, Waldoboro, and Wiscasset. ARC previously provided services in Boothbay Harbor before encountering problems finding a location and enough staff. Chief Deputy Rand Maker said there are hopes to resume the Boothbay Harbor service and adding a Whitefield location. Commissioners also approved a $6,000 payment to the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. The payment represents four weeks of training for two sheriff department recruits who are participating in the 18-week program in Vassalboro. 

Commissioners hired a new 911 emergency dispatcher pending a successful background check. Commissioners voted, 3-0, to hire Tobias Callan of Woolwich. Kipfer said Callan had previous public safety experience. “He has an extensive background in EMS (emergency medical service) and he was looking to return in a less physical role,” she said. 

Commissioners also accepted Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director Melissa Temple’s resignation. She was on leave prior to her announcement. The resignation letter was dated Feb. 22.  

Two county job descriptions were updated. Commissioners approved revisions for the deputy registrar of probate and assistant county planner positions. Kipfer reported Registrar of Deeds Catherine Moore requested the changes for her deputy. Kipfer reported the changes were minor. “It eliminates tasks and equipment no longer relevant and adds a couple minor duties,” she said. 

Strategic Project Manager Sandy Gilbreath resigned from the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission last month. Shortly afterwards, Executive Director Mary Ellen Barnes and County Planner Emily Rabbe began working on a new job description for Gilbreath’s former position. Commissioners approved the new job description, 3-0, which includes a title change. The new position is now called assistant county planner and GIS coordinator. 

The meeting ended with two executive sessions. One was for discussing legal consultations. The other was for labor negotiations. Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 15 in the courthouse.