Three Midcoast counties have taken the next step toward entering into a jail administration consolidation agreement. On Oct. 5, Lincoln joined Sagadahoc and Knox counties in selecting Verrill, a Maine law firm, as a consultant in creating a professional services agreement developing a plan for long range jail administration. 

In August, the three counties formed a committee seeking proposals in creating a Two Bridges Regional Correctional Authority. Under the plan, Knox County would join the Two Bridges Regional Jail Authority. 

The committee received six proposals. A subcommittee was formed which graded each proposal. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer was Lincoln's representative on the committee and participated in the subcommittee's work. "One person from each county reported back to the committee and we all had the same proposal as our top choice," she said. 

Verrill will now work on an independent facilitation and governance-developmental services agreement related to the proposed Two Bridges Regional Correction Authority. Verrill will assist elected officials, county administrators, legal counsel, corrections officials, financial representatives and other stakeholders in evaluating and developing a regional governance framework.

According to the request for proposals (RFP), the purpose of this engagement is to facilitate a structured neutral process through which the participating counties can identify areas of agreement, evaluate governance and financial alternatives, address areas of disagreement and develop recommendations that may support future legislation and implementation of a regional corrections authority. 

Kipfer told Lincoln County commissioners the committee was looking for a consultant with demonstrated experience facilitating  complex intergovernmental discussions involving elected offcials and multiple governmental entities. 

"We (Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Knox) have a longstanding relationship with Verrill and with Jim (James Cohen, a Verrill Dana, LLP. partner). Based on Verill's relationships at the state level, with the legislators and with other counties, this was a factor in the committee's decision," Kipfer said.

Verrill will begin work on Oct. 15 and have about six months to provide its recommendations. The agreement calls for an $81,100 payment to Verrill. Kipfer said the counties will each pay an equal $27,000 share. Kipfer recommended Lincoln County commissioners authorize up to $30,000 for possible cost overruns. Commissioners voted, 3-0, to authorize up to $30,000 for the study.