Lincoln County commissioners received five sealed bids from Maine dealerships June 2 for buying three new police SUVs. Newcastle Chrysler of Newcastle was the low bidder, with $28,589 for each of three 2020 Dodge Durango all-wheel drive pursuit SUVs. Darlings Ford of Bangor bid $32,679 per vehicle for Ford Interceptors. Darlings Dodge of Augusta bid $30,976 per vehicle for 2020 Dodge Durango All-Wheel Pursuits. O’Connors of Augusta bid $38,954 for 2021 Chevy Tahoes. And Qurik of Augusta bid $33,983 for 2021 Ford Police Interceptors with four-wheel drive. Commissioners asked Chief Deputy Rand Maker to review the bids with Sheriff Todd Brackett and make a recommendation at the next meeting.

In other action, an expanded version of a Homeland Security grant Maine received is benefitting Lincoln County. In 2019, Homeland Security sent money to Maine counties bordering Canada for providing additional patrols. Funds are now available to all 16 counties, and Maker reported Lincoln County is receiving $73,125. “There is no match and no other requirement except documenting how we use the funds,” Maker said.

Another federal grant will help the sheriff’s department pay for COVID-19 related equipment purchases. The department received confirmation May 29 that it is receiving a $34,565 Department of Justice Grant which is part of the COVID-19 Emergency Stimulus Package. “The great thing is  it reimburses us  for PPE (personal protection equipment), gloves and masks purchased in January,” he said. 

Commissioners approved two purchase orders for equipment funded by federal grants. Maker requested to buy a new electronic message board for $22, 665. The county already has  three electronic message boards stationed in various locations. County officials can change messages on two boards remotely. The new board also has that function. “It has an easy to read display and increases our electronic message boards by 25%. It also records traffic data which assists in addressing motorist complaints.” he said.

Commissioners unanimously approved using a Department of Justice grant to buy 13 digital cameras, memory cards and carrying cases. Last year, Lincoln County received $3,431.09 from an Edward Bryne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. “This improves our ability to capture photographic evidence and nearly doubles our inventory to 27,” Maker said. 

Maker reported Caleb Poirier was named “Deputy of the Quarter” and courthouse screener David Boynton was retiring. Commissioners authorized the sheriff’s department to advertise for a successor.