On Dec. 2, Lincoln County commissioners unanimously approved a 2026 budget of $15,324,218  which reflects a 3.48% increase. Commissioners made a last-minute revision prior to passage. Commissioner David Levesque requested increasing Elder Care Network of Lincoln County funding by another $10,000. Commissioners amended the proposed $25,000 to  $35,000 for the network.

In other action, commissioners approved 2026 animal control officer contracts with Wiscasset, Boothbay Harbor, Bremen, Dresden and Whitefield. Sheriff Todd Brackett reported only three  towns don't have an animal control agreement with the sheriff's department: Boothbay, South Bristol and Monhegan Island. 

"Boothbay and South Bristol are happy with their current arrangements," Chief Deputy Rand Maker said. "We've had conversations with Monhegan Island, but I think they're concerned about transportation costs."

The sheriff's department has one deputy vacancy, but Brackett requested commissioners hire two candidates. Brackett said he anticipated future openings.

"We have some retirements and one deputy who may accept another position. We have two qualified candidates so I'm asking to hire one, and conditionally hire a second," he said.

Commissioners unanimously approved offering a position to Zachary Smith, who recently moved to Maine from South Carolina, and Boothbay resident Nicholas Greenleaf as a conditional hire. Brackett explained both candidates require pre-hiring background checks and other evaluations. The sheriff added that neither had any previous law enforcement training.

Brackett said the deputy sheriff roster is one below full capacity and at the highest level in five years. "With only one opening, we are in our strongest position since pre-COVID. If we hire a candidate who stays with us for five years, I feel like we've won," he said.

The district attorney's office has a new hire. Isabella Gatti was hired as a victim witness advocate. Her first day is Dec. 8. Commissioners approved paralegal certificate training for Briana Edwards. The training expenditure is $2,687.

Commissioners approved opting into an agreement between Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission and federal Northern Borders Regional Commission which serves 60 counties in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.

Alex Ziparro is LCRPC's economic and community development director. He said Maine became eligible for NBRC membership in 2025. Under the agreement, LCRPC would serve as a local development director assisting towns with economic development applications and managing successful submissions. LCRPC would receive $15,000 between January and Sept. 30, 2026 from NBRC. Ziparro anticipates more funding, but he isn't sure how much.

LCRPC will receive additional NBRC funding of $8,000 for grants less than $400,000. For grants above $400,000, LCRPC would receive 2% of the award.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16 in the courthouse.