Boothbay Harbor needs a little more help providing 24/7 police protection. On Sept. 19, commissioners approved extending a current agreement for additional deputy sheriff patrols until Dec. 31. The extension would provide another 30 hours per week of patrols. The current interim agreement ends Sept. 30. In May, the two parties agreed to provide up to 50 hours per week of county patrols after Boothbay Harbor’s already undermanned force lost two full-time officers. 

In the past six months, Boothbay Harbor has hired a sergeant and patrolman. In seeking commissioners’ approval, Sheriff Todd Brackett reported an extension would give the town more time to reach its hiring goal. Boothbay Harbor has eight full-time officer positions and has filled four. But Brackett is not sure if another extension will be the last. “In January, either one or both of the new hires must go to the police academy for 18 weeks. We will know better then if they will need additional assistance,” he said. 

The same financial agreement remains in place. Boothbay Harbor pays an overtime rate between $34.42 and $59.78 per hour. The town also pays 65.5 cents per mile. According to the sheriff’s department, a 50-hour week and 100 miles per shift results in a payment between $2,049.60 to $3,316.50 per week. 

While the vote was unanimous, District 1 Commissioner Hamilton Mesrve had reservations about the prolonged sheriff’s department coverage. Boothbay Harbor is represented by Meserve. “I (vote yes) reluctantly,” he said. “This was supposed to be temporary, but it’s looking more like what we feared, a more permanent situation.”

In other action, commissioners approved an agreement between Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission and Boothbay. LCRPC will serve as a consultant while the Boothbay Planning Board works toward implementing LD 2003.

The new state law requires all municipalities to include new land use requirements in their ordinances by July 2024. The legislation establishes statewide and regional housing production goals and a municipal role in achieving those goals. The law imposes density and other requirements for affordable housing developments that preempt inconsistent municipal regulations. It requires municipalities to allow up to four dwelling units on each lot where housing is allowed, depending upon the lot and whether it contains an existing dwelling. It also requires municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units in any area where housing is permitted and comply with certain accessory dwelling unit requirements. 

County Planner Emily Rabbe explained the consultant would assist with incorporating ordinance language and making recommendations regarding regulating short- and long-term rentals. “We will meet with their planning board twice a month during their workshops talking about potential changes. We will also  work with their planning and selectboards during public hearings explaining all the proposed changes.”

Boothbay agreed to pay a $3,500 consultant fee to the commission. Rabbe told commissioners Boothbay is seeking a state grant which funds municipalities toward incorporating LD 2003 changes into their ordinances. In an Aug. 23 meeting, Selectman Steve Lewis asked why the town had to pay for a county service. “I don’t question their ability, but they nickel and dime the towns to death when we already give them over a million dollars a year,” he said.

During the commissioners’ meeting, the Boothbay Register also asked why the LCRPC charged for their services. “The LCRPC covers a lot of different items, but this is a specialized service. Something we can’t provide for every town,” County Administrator Carrie Kipfer said. She added, Boothbay requested the assistance. “This  really isn’t costing Boothbay anything because they can get it back with a grant,” said Commissioner William Blodgett. 

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3 in the courthouse.