Lincoln County Commissioners met Tuesday, Nov. 18 and among those speaking at the meeting was Sheriff Todd Brackett.

Brackett presented a regular update about the count at Two Bridges Regional Jail and then asked for two items, which he said will assist his office in responding to public safety issues.

The first item, which will be formally presented at a future board meeting, is an agreement for mutual aid.

Under a Maine statute, the County Commissioners may authorize the sheriff to contact neighboring counties for law enforcement assistance, should it become necessary.

Under the provisions of the law, any law enforcement personnel assisting the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would have the same authority as other members of the sheriff’s office. The other counties participating in this agreement are Knox, Sagadahoc, Kennebec and Waldo counties, all counties that border Lincoln County.

Brackett also requested that the commissioners approve an increase in the amount being paid for part-time work at the sheriff’s office. Higher pay for part-time employees would enable the sheriff’s office to attract and hire more qualified part-time personnel.

Because more part-time personnel would offset the amount of overtime currently being paid to full-time employees, Brackett believes that there would be no significant impact on the budget.

Also at the commissioners’ meeting, Jim Hopler, building supervisor and John O’Connell, county administrator, called attention to portions of the courthouse roof, which are in need of immediate repair.

Portions of the roof which were last repaired 18 years ago have suddenly shown signs of failure. During that roofing project, an organic material was used, which is now at the end of its estimated life. Estimates have been provided by two roofing companies and the commissioners approved the work.