Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett told Alna selectmen and other residents July 23, upping enforcement, including possibly via contract, would probably impact speeding in Sheepscot Village for a while. But he said traffic-calming can make a significant, long-term difference. 

Try to partner with Newcastle, Brackett suggested. "At least half of this issue is in Newcastle," since people use the residential route as a bypass, for which it was not designed, he said.

He did, twice that day, he said. 

Fielding residents' questions, Brackett explained, depending on how much help is requested, an increased presence by the sheriff's department can exceed what towns get through their county taxes. And how towns' county taxes are figured is a legislative matter, he added.

“I think the reality is that Alna would need to consider probably spending some money for enforcement …," Third Selectman Coreysha Lothrop said. 

She asked Brackett if a contract for as little as two and a half hours a day was doable. 

“We’re willing to certainly do what makes you feel good. But I can tell you, it's not going to solve the issue," Brackett said. "It'll help, and I'm glad to do whatever the town wants to do. We can increase our patrols without charging the town, the best we can.And then if you want a contract (it can be) any timeframe you like. And that will help to some extent, but I don't think we're going to see … a significant change. And when I say that, I say that as a law enforcement professional. I talk to my peers around the state. And to have long-term solutions to speeding issues, it takes way more than enforcement.”

He said a specialist would know better which traffic-calmers, such as sidewalks, islands, a "Welcome to Sheepscot Village" sign, or speed humps, not bumps, could work best there. He also suggested seeking a new Maine Department of Transportation study. And he said clearing some trees and lowering the grade might help with a blind spot residents also mentioned.

As for a contract with the county, Brackett said: "I’m not trying to talk you out of it, I’m just trying to be honest withyou about how effective it’s going to be.” Enforcement combined withtraffic-calming can have “a real impact” versus enforcement alone, Brackett reiterated.

Selectmen thanked Brackett for his time. Lothrop noted some Sheepscot Village residents may join the roads committee, which could then contact Newcastle's committee or road commissioner to discuss how the towns might team up against speeding. First Selectman Nick Johnson said MaineDOT plans to add one speed limit sign and move another to a more visible spot. 
"From what I understand they have a massive workload. Whether (this) gets done before next year, I don't know. But at least ... there has been a work order placed. So it is in the system, to be done," at no cost to the town, Johnson said.

"Which I was like, 'Perfect,' 'cause free is my favorite price."

Selectmen said they would ask town meeting voters for any local funding proposed for added enforcement or other measures. And they said MaineDOT offers grants for town-approved traffic-calming steps.

Also July 23, selectmen heard from Lynette Eastman about how to possibly transition budgeting and taxes if Alna changes its fiscal year from February-January to July-June to align with other government entities. Town meeting voters could approve an 18-month budget by "extrapolating out" the 12-month budget, Eastman said.

"You're going to pay the same dollars as you would otherwise pay in that same period," Second Selectman Steve Graham understood from Eastman's explanation. "I feel comfortable with a proposition that would look to do that."