Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett hoped to add three new vehicles to the department’s fleet, but he’ll have to settle for two. Brackett submitted bids to replace two police cruisers and an SUV, but national supply line shortages hampered his search. On Feb. 1, commissioners approved buying two hybrid Ford Interceptors for $36,098 each. The Quirk bid edged Darling’s $36,138 bid. 

But bids for a midsize SUV were unsuccessful. Instead of receiving bids for a Dodge Tahoe or Chevy Durango, he received bids for a pickup truck and an oversized SUV. Neither met the department’s needs, so Brackett requested commissioners dismiss both bids. “Manufacturers have stopped taking bids on those vehicles due to the supply line problems. I don’t suspect they will be available in 2022, so we should probably wait until next year,” he said.

Brackett told commissioners he preferred sticking with the department’s current midsize SUV which had accumulated over 110,000 miles. “I think we should make do with what we have instead of buying something we can’t use,” Brackett said. 

The sheriff also received approval to renew two shellfish contracts with Damariscotta and Newcastle and Bremen. He described the Damariscotta and Newcastle as a “combo” agreement as each town’s shellfish committee worked together. 

In other action, commissioners approved $19,200 for training 16 residents in emergency medical technician training. The county is using federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to pay for the training. The first class has one student each from Alna, Bremen, Bristol,  Dresden, Waldoboro and Whitefield, five from Boothbay, three from Boothbay Harbor, and two from Southport.

“Classes will be both online and at the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service station. There will be two sessions during the week and one on Saturdays. After the course, attendees will be certified EMTs,” County Emergency Management Agency Director Casey Stevens said. 

Stevens also received authorization to renew the county’s Onsolve Code Red annual subscription. The service is used by both the EMA and sheriff’s department. Stevens reported the $8,800 subscription is split between the two agencies.

Communications Director Tara Doe received a $12,800 purchase authorization to contract with Consolidated Communications to move 911 emergency equipment. Doe explained state regulations required counties to contract with Consolidated Communications for this purpose. She expected communications center renovations will be completed by March 7. 

County Administrator Carrie Kipfer reported the State Planning Commission will hold a hearing March 30 on claims for an Edgecomb property taking. The state claimed property on U.S. Route 1. Commissioner Hamilton Meserve offered to serve as a land claim commissioner at the hearing. “Often times these claims are settled before the hearing, but if one occurs, it will either take place in the county courthouse or the planning commission (office),” she said. 

Kipfer also reported Maine Department of Transportation sent a notice of taking regarding a Boothbay man’s property on River Road. The state wants to perform inlet and outlet drainage and install guard rails near Ralph Wilts’ property. 

Commissioners ended the meeting with executive sessions for a labor contract discussion and communication from legal counsel.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15 in the county courthouse.