It's a new year, and time for a new Lincoln County commissioners chairman. Jan. 6, commissioners elected David Levesque of Newcastle as chairman. Levesque enters his second year as a commissioner. He was elected to his first term in November 2024. Levesque represents District 3 which includes Alna, Damariscotta, Dresden, Jefferson, Newcastle, Somerville, Whitefield and Hibberts Gore.

In other action, commissioners authorized a $35,070.35 payment to the Community Resource Council in Boothbay Harbor. Commissioners used American Rescue Plan funds for the contribution.  

Emergency Management Agency Director Emily Huber updated commissioners on progress for the county mitigation plan. She reported the plan received Federal Emergency Management Agency approval and had significant input from all 19 Lincoln County towns. She explained the plan focuses heavily on coastal flooding, severe winter and summer storms, and planning related to drought and wildfire coverage. "By adopting the plan, towns are eligible to seek grant funding for creating mitigation plans and projects on their own," Huber said.  Commissioners adopted the plan with a 3-0 vote.

Huber also received commissioners' approval to renew a contract with D4H, an Irish company which tracks storms and coordinates emergency responses. The annual subscription renewal is for $4,160.

County Administrator Carrie Kipfer shared grant reports from MaineHealth, CommonSpace, Healthy Lincoln County and Studio B. All the non-profit vendors received county funding received from the opioid settlement grant.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 in the courthouse.