A Westport Island resident made a short statement Oct. 7 to Lincoln County commissioners. Mary Danzer has lived on Westport Island for 25 years and she doesn't support the idea of a data center in Wiscasset. "I know you don't have anything to do with this project, but we are against it."

Wiscasset officials have said the town received an inquiry about one but has received no formal proposal. 

Danzer provided commissioners a double-sided sheet of  paper listing reasons how data centers adversely impact communities, including "negative impacts across environmental, social, and economic fronts, fueled by their immense and rapidly increasing energy and resource demands. These facilities strain local infrastructure and resources, contributing to pollution and exacerbating existing social inequalities," read the document.

Danzer and a couple others left after she presented her papers to commissioners.

In other action, Communications Director Tara Doe received approval to post for a secondary supervisor job and increase reserve dispatcher pay. Doe told commissioners one of two department supervisors is going on leave. "She is planning to return, but not in a supervisor's position, so we need to post for a permanent replacement," Doe said.

Reserve dispatcher pay will increase from $30 to $40 per hour. Commissioners unanimously approved the increase. Reserve pay was last increased in 2022. Doe requested the increase to keep pace with regular dispatcher pay which is collectively bargained.

Commissioners approved the resignation of victim witness advocate Abriana Delana from the Lincoln County District Attorney's Office. Delana is one of two victim witness advocates. Her last day was set to be Oct. 9.

Commissioners approved a three-year contract renewal of the Software licensing agreement. The Registrar of Probate's office uses Catalis software. In the first year, the licensing fee is $1,992. In year two, the payment increases to $2,111.37 and year three is for $2,239.11.

Commissioners approved entering into a contract with Fuss and O'Neil of Kennebunkport. The engineering consultant will assist with Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission's water and feasibility study. The commission received a $150,000 award earlier this year to develop more housing.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 in the courthouse.