Lincoln County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Rand Maker's retirement was short. Last month, he submitted his retirement notice as of March 30, but a conversation with Sheriff Todd Brackett resulted in a change of heart.

April 7, Brackett informed commissioners he was reappointing Maker as chief deputy. "He is a key member of the team who I rely on heavily," Brackett said. "He is well-respected around the state through his work with other chief deputies within the Maine Sheriff's Association. He is also a community leader through his work at Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Camp Postcard and as a Lincoln Academy boys' basketball junior varsity coach."

Maker told commissioners his decision to retire was a personal one. "But I welcome the opportunity to return and work with Sheriff Brackett," he said. "Moving forward, there are a number of projects I want to see through, and you always want to leave a place better than when you found it."

Maker acted as the sheriff's department representative as Brackett was in South Carolina. Maker received commissioners' approval to authorize a $3,500 payment for tuition at Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro. He told commissioners a cadet is due to graduate in June.

Maker also received approval for an Idemia Fingerprinting Live Scan Maintenance and Support subscription. The electronic method digitally scans fingerprints, producing a higher quality print. "We are required by law to fingerprint everyone arrested or summonsed. About 90% are scanned, and sent off to the FBI," he said. The subscription costs $3,420.

Commissioners also authorized a $5,000 purchase for two TMDE Calibration Labs traffic radars. Maker said each radar detector requires annual calibration.

Commissioners extended their contract with Sweetser for a behavioral health liaison through July. Maker expects a longer extension signed later this year to align better with the fiscal and calendar years. Lincoln County pays Sweetser $8,080 per month.

In other action, the commissioners are upgrading their radio towers' law and fire channels. The upgrade costs $327,088, according to Communications Director Tara Doe.

Commissioners signed an updated 2026 County Emergency Management Agency mutual aid agreement. County EMA Director Emily Huber told commissioners the agreement provides more resources for each county during a regional disaster or storm.

County Administrator Carrie Kipfer received authorization for paying $3,060 to Cummins Northeast of Scarborough. Kipfer told commissioners, Cummins found a leak in a generator during a recent preventative maintenance inspection. "They found the water pump leaking and needing a replacement. They also replaced a fan belt and gaskets to make the generator operational," she said.

Kipfer also announced two hires. Jesse Tobia started March 30 as the new county human resources manager. Lydia Pease is the summer Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission intern. She begins May 26, and her internship ends Aug. 14.

Lincoln County will not pay for an expert witness fee stemming last month's murder trial in Bath. Last month, the state Attorney General's Office requested county assistance in paying an expert witness in Tyler Witham-Jordan's trial. County officials were notified that a state statute requires the AG's Office to cover the fee.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 21 in the courthouse.