Lincoln County Communications paid tribute Jan. 19 to Sonia Lilly of Dresden, who worked as a 911 dispatcher for 14 years. At 5 p.m., this message went out over the emergency radio frequency: "Attention, all units and personnel. Stand by for a dispatcher sign-off. Set off all call tones – Fire – EMS – Kennebec," which preceded Lilly's tribute. "Today, we pause to honor the life and service of dispatcher Sonia Lilly. Sonia began her career with Lincoln County 911 in 2007, answering calls for help with professionalism, compassion and a calm, steady voice when it mattered most.

"Beyond the console, Sonia also devoted 28 years of service to Dresden fire, including 14 years as the accountability officer, where she played a critical role in ensuring the safety of fellow responders and the community she loved. Sonia was a trusted voice, a steady presence, and a guardian behind the scenes whose impact will be felt for generations.

"As we complete this final sign-off, we thank dispatcher Sonia Lilly for her dedication to public safety and for the countless calls she answered in service to others. End of watch. We’ve got it from here. Rest easy, Sonia."

Jan. 20, Communications Director Tara Doe told county commissioners about the tribute to Lilly, who found out in September she was ill. Lilly died Jan. 13. The final tribute was delivered Jan. 19, which was her birth date. Outside the communications department, signs were decorated with a black ribbon in Lilly's honor, Doe said.

"Sonia Lilly will be greatly missed," Doe said. 

In other action, the county set the tax commitment at $15,039,218. Finance Director Michelle Richardson reported tax bills would be sent out the week of Jan. 26 with an expectation that most will be returned by late August or September. The due date is Oct. 31.

Commissioners approved three contract renewals for the communications center. "I Am Responding" is a mobile application connecting emergency and field providers with their communities. Commissioners approved a $15,088 one-year contract renewal. An extension to the annual Zetron radio maintenance agreement was approved. The one-year deal is for $44,091.

Commissioners approved a contract extension between Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission and Maine Office of Community Affairs, which provides technical assistance to coastal communities. "The agreement allows the RPC to work with coastal communities on such issues as waterfront planning, ordinance updates and flood plain discussions," County Administrator Carrie Kipfer said. The contract is for one year running from January to December. MOCA is paying the commission $10,539 for the assistance.

Paralegal Bria Edwards received permission to travel to Louisville, Kentucky for the National Association of Extradition Officials Training Conference. The event will be held from May 31 to June 2. Commissioners approved $1,821.43 in travel expenses for the district attorney's employee. 

Commissioners authorized a contract extension with Siemens for the annual courthouse HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) contract for $44,584. A contract renewal for generator services was renewed with Cummins Sales and Service of Scarborough. The courthouse contract is $3,176.73 and the sheriff's office one is for $3,657.42.

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