Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department sponsors an alternative sentencing program for Two Bridges Regional Jail inmates. Twice a year, the program allows non-violent offenders to fulfill court-ordered obligations through community service instead of jail time.

This year's first program took place in April. The second had 38 participants which took place Oct. 16-23 at the WAVUS campus in Jefferson. Participants entered into either in a two-day or seven-day program. The two-day program had 11 males and five females. The seven-day program had 14 males and eight females, according to a report given by Chief Deputy Rand Maker during the Nov. 3 commissioners meeting. 

The program offers participants an option to avoid jail. The program provides them with counseling and provides local communities with hundreds of hours in community service. Maker reported details about each program. “The two-day program saved the counties 32 bed days. At approximately $161 a day, the program saved $5,152. The seven-day program yielded a combined total of 154 bed days, saving $24,797. Overall, the program saved 186 jail bed days with a total savings of $29,946."

The participants performed community service in Phippsburg, Wiscasset and at the WAVUS and Camp Kieve campuses. Each day's work began at 8 a.m. and finished at 4 p.m. The inmates worked an estimated 11,400 hours, according to Maker. “At the current minimum wage, $15.10 per hour, that amounts to an approximate value of $21,140 in labor. It is important to note that some labor was provided by skilled laborers who would have been paid at a higher rate,” Maker said.

Each evening, participants received two hours of education. The presentations included topics on teamwork and processing information, addiction and recovery, roles of law enforcement, and a consequence of driving while intoxicated documentary.

In other action, commissioners granted the sheriff’s department authority to apply for and accept a Department of Justice grant. Sheriff Todd Brackett described the grant as a violent crime reduction initiative. The $50,890 grant would be for three years with no match. The sheriff’s department would use funds for purchasing software and providing mobile apps for connecting directly with the jail. “This would notify victims of release dates, allow for anonymous tips, witness information and allow public inquiries about the incarcerated. All of our social media would be in one spot," he said.

Brackett described the grant as “very competitive.” In year one, the grant covers the initial purchase of apps. The second and third years would cover subscriptions.

Commissioners authorized payment to RCM of Portland for a radio installation. Commissioners approved $4,895.97 to equip the Emergency Management Agency’s new vehicle. Commissioners approved up to $11,919.20 for Island Tech of Wiscasset to provide and install lights and sirens.

There are a couple new faces in county government. Executive Director Emily Rabbe introduced Bekah Farmer as Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission’s new floodplain manager. The commissioners also approved hiring Jonathan Hawkins as the district attorney’s new victim witness advocate. He lives in New Hampshire and starts his new job in December, according to County Administrator Carrie Kipfer.

Commissioners approved a $4,077.44 payment for a guardian ad-litum. Register of Probate Catherine Moore described the GAL as a person appointed by the court to serve in a minor’s best interest.

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 in the courthouse.