Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission entered into a short-term deal with Damariscotta to provide limited help in its code enforcement department. June 16, Executive Director Emily Rabbe explained Damariscotta’s CEO had taken another job. The contract runs from June 15 to March 31, 2027.

The commission will provide mostly ordinance review work for the town until a successor is found. Rabbe also updated commissioners on a proposal for providing code services for towns without a full-time officer or those needing temporary help.

LCRPC is working on a proposal which would provide code services to the county towns. The proposal is based on a Kennebec Valley Council of Governments program which offers a code office. The Kennebec program began over a year ago with six towns and has grown to nine.

Rabbe told commissioners the Lincoln County proposal would work in a similar fashion. June 15, she and County Administrator Carrie Kipfer met with five town leaders interested in the concept. “The response was well-received. It would work a lot like a county animal control officer with a contract between the municipality and county,” she said. Rabbe identified the participating towns as Wiscasset, Whitefield, Westport Island, Alna and Bristol.

In other action, commissioners authorized payments for two new police cruisers which recently arrived. Payments were approved for a 2026 Ford Explorer for $44,152, and a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe for $56,553. The Tahoe is an unmarked supervisor’s vehicle. Commissioners also approved purchasing a new vehicle to replace one which was rear-ended. 

On April 21, a sheriff’s cruiser was involved in an accident on Route One resulting in the vehicle being totaled. The replacement vehicle is a 2026 Ford Explorer costing $47,982. Kipfer gave the sheriff’s office report. She told commissioners Sheriff Todd Brackett found a “road ready” vehicle and recommended making the purchase. Commissioners approved purchasing the replacement vehicle.

Commissioners also accepted two transfers of forfeited assets on behalf of the sheriff’s department. Kipfer told commissioners upon successful prosecution the state’s Attorney General’s Office returns forfeited assets to the law enforcement agency. The sheriff’s office receives $3,495 from State v. Troy Folk and $1,090 from State v. Dante Puello.

Emergency Management Agency Director Emily Huber announced her Deputy Director Emma McKearney resigned as of June 5. Commissioners gave approval to post the vacancy. Commissioners also approved a new job description. Kipfer said the major changes were “mostly format changes.”

Kipfer reported on the county’s search for a new public safety building location. The county has interest in an unidentified location. County officials have been on a site visit. "We are now seeking a land appraisal of the property and two adjacent parcels,” she said. “We won’t move on a formal option until after the appraisal.”

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 7 at Pownalborough Courthouse in Dresden.