Maine Pretrial Services, Inc. is a private, nonprofit agency committed to providing pretrial services, post conviction alternatives and diversion options throughout Maine. Chief Deputy Rand Maker reported the department has approximately 49 individuals in two jail diversion programs. The department has their own supervising 28 this year. MPS manages the remaining 21. Maker told commissioners the program saves Lincoln County money by “keeping those people out-of-jail while their cases work through the courts.” 

 

On Aug. 2, commissioners voted unanimously to increase the annual MPS contract from $63,036 to $80,670. Executive Director Elizabeth Simoni attended the commissioners meeting to explain why “a larger than usual increase.” Simoni pointed toward steadily increasing costs and high-employee turnover rate as key factors. She reported in response to these challenges, MPS increased starting pay from  $18 to $22 per hour, hired an additional supervisor and human resources employee. The additional funding also allows for additional client drug testing. Of the 21 Lincoln County cases MPS is currently handling, 18 are pre-trial and three are deferred.

 

“We’re hoping to increase the number of deferred. The recognition that some folks need assistance and connections to resources and would benefit from drug testing is something we are working on,” she said.  

 

Commissioner Mary Trescot believed the program provided a worthwhile county service. “It’s such a great program because we have so much drug and alcohol abuse in our county. I think this is going to help a lot of people,” she said.

 

In other action, commissioners authorized the sheriff’s department to accept two federal law enforcement grants. Maker explained the county is eligible to apply for two Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants for purchasing new equipment.  The current grant opportunity is for $11,333. Maker told commissioners the grant would enhance the department’s communication capability in hosting remote meetings. Maker reported the update technology would assist with the sheriff’s outreach programs and working with his community advisory group.  “Our current computer doesn’t have the right fittings to work with our projector,” he said. “Our technology hasn’t been updated for a while and this will assist with those who want to meet remotely.”  The sheriff’s department will also use 2022 Byrne funds for purchasing tactical entry tools.

 

Maker reported the federal government had problems with sending out the 2020 Byrne Grant to recipients which caused the delay. The 2020 grant is sending $13,701 to county law enforcement agencies for equipment purchases. Maker received commissioner approval for the sheriff department to “serve as a pass through” in distributing funds. He reported sheriff’s department receives $9,585 from the 2020 Byrne Grant. Waldoboro Police Department receives the second most with $1,743. Boothbay Harbor receives $1,089, and Wiscasset and Damariscotta police departments receive $327 a piece.

 

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 16 in the courthouse.