Lincoln County will administer a state Public Safety and Health Reimbursement Pilot Program assisting first responders. On July 15, commissioners voted, 3-0, to oversee the program's funding which provides a $51,729 grant for wellness visits or specialized cardiac and metabolic screenings regarding mental and physical stress.

Earlier this year, Damariscotta Police Chief Jason Warlick applied for the grant with the intention of his office to serve as the county's chief administrator. Warlick is no longer able to serve as administrator as he will become Sagadahoc County's chief deputy Aug. 1. "His departure left the grant's future in limbo," Sheriff Todd Brackett said during the July 15 commissioners' meeting. "I was asked to assume the administrator's role so I took it on."

Brackett will continue adding names of county law enforcement, ambulance services, firefighters and emergency dispatchers who are all eligible to receive the medical services.The grant funding would be administered by the county's finance department, according to County Administrator Carrie Kipfer.

In other action, commissioners renewed a contract with Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. Det. Sgt. Jason Pease will continue to be "on loan" to the state and serve as MDEA's Midcoast supervisor. He is employed by Lincoln County Sheriff's Department, but he has an office in Thomaston. "There are local law enforcement all over Maine on loan to MDEA. The state reimburses us for their time, and all we pay is for the officer's training and any duties performed for the county," Brackett said.

Lincoln County receives $185,391 from the state, according to the agreement.

Commissioners also approved the sheriff's department to seek a state grant to monitor underage drinking. Dirigo Safety of Augusta is a non-profit agency which manages the program on the state's behalf. Lincoln County is applying for a $6,000 grant which is provided on an annual basis. "This will assist us in compliance checks for on-premises (restaurants and bars) and off-premises (convenience stores) underage drinking. It also provides funds for training servers and sellers," he said. 

Commissioners approved a $10,704 payment authorization to Motorola Solutions for three web service subscriptions to store video recorded by deputy sheriffs' body cams and in-car cams.

Two Lincoln County animal control officers will see a change in their employment status. Commissioners approved Ernest Oliver's request to move from full-time to part-time. Lindsey Smith received approval to change from part-time to full-time. 

The Communications Center is closer to hiring a new supervisor. Commissioners approved a conditional offer of employment to Chelsey Stevens of Wales. Director Tara Doe reported Stevens is currently employed as an emergency dispatcher in Augusta and has previous supervisor experience. 

The county district attorney's office is looking for a new office manager/paralegal. Amanda Charlton has resigned and will work in a similar job in the Sagadahoc County district attorney's office. Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission is seeking more applicants to enter into the state's community resilience partnership program. In three previous application rounds, the commission has assisted Alna, Damariscotta, Bristol, Newcastle, Edgecomb and Whitefield. The CRP prepares municipalities to deal with climate change. The commission assists communities in their partnership membership applications..

The commission also provides assistance in members' grant applications. Community Resilience Planner Laura Graziano told commissioners she is contacting Lincoln County towns not enrolled in the program. She hopes to have four towns apply for membership prior to the Aug. 1 deadline. 

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 in the courthouse.