The president of Maine's County Commissioners' Association Andre Cushing has now visited 15 of the state's 16 counties. On Aug. 19, Cushing, a Newport Republican, made Lincoln County his latest visit. He updated Lincoln County commissioners during their bi-monthly meeting about the upcoming State County Commissioners Convention, Sept. 18-20, at the Sebasco Harbor Resort in Phippsburg.

He told commissioners that this year's convention they will likely see many new members. Cushing reported there has been a significant amount of turnover within their ranks. "About a third have less than two years' experience. So, you are likely to see a lot of new faces next month," Cushing said. "If any of you served in the legislature, you may see commissioners you served with as 15 new members served in Augusta." In Lincoln County, Evan Goodkowsky, of Wiscasset, and David Levesque, of Newcastle, fall into the new commissioner category. They were both elected last November.

In addressing his MCCA goals, Cushing wants more attention focused on law enforcement and jail systems. "We are the ERs for our law enforcement system. Our jails never know who's coming or how many. How long they will stay and what particular condition there in?" he said. "With the lack of medical facilities in most jails. it makes it more challenging in today's environment to care for them."

During the convention, Cushing reported delegates will discuss hiring an MCCA executive director. "This should provide a great deal of assistance to the counties especially in registry of deeds, probate court, and other county departments," he said.

In other action, Lincoln County Commissioners are considering major renovations to the courthouse elevator which is approaching 50 years old. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer reported the elevators doors aren't operating properly by either "not shutting completely or very slowly." Pine State Elevator provided a $106,000 quote for immediate repairs and another estimated $100,000 for future work. Commissioners tabled discussion until Pine State Elevator and a local electrician could finalize a work list and estimated cost.

Sheriff Todd Brackett reported two cruisers are returning to the fleet and four others will depart. Commissioners approved a $5,308 payment Hillside Collision for repairing one vehicle. Commissioners also approved selling the following sheriff's department vehicles: 2020 Durango, 2021 Durango, 2018 Dodge Charger and 2018 Ford SUV. "When a vehicle approaches 150,000 miles, we rotate them out," he said.

Commissioners also approved a $13,494 payment to Coast Electronics in Wiscasset to equip a new cruiser with a "life bar, cages and a mobile data computer console. The sheriff's department also received approval to seek a $5,000 federal Highway Safety Grant.

Another town has contracted with the sheriff's department for animal control services. Edgecomb reached an agreement with the county to provide an animal control officer from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31.  

This year's Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission intern will be working two extra weeks. Stoddard Chafee's internship is over, but she will remain until Aug. 29. "Her internship is up, but the commission has more work for her," Finance Director Michelle Richardson said. "We budgeted for two interns this summer, but only had one. So there is money in the budget."

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2 in the courthouse.