Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows presided over her first oath of office ceremony Jan. 3 for Lincoln County elected officers. But for Commissioner Bill Blodgett and Registrar of Deeds Rebecca Wotton, it was a familiar experience. Both won re-election in November to another four-year term. For Blodgett, it was his fifth, as he already served 28 years. Wotton began working in the registrar’s office 30 years ago, and first won election to the office in 2009. 

Michelle Richardson was appointed treasurer in 2021. Richardson has worked in the department since 2016. Catherine Moore has worked in the registrar of probate office since 2006. She won her first term as registrar of probate in 2014. Sheriff Todd Brackett was re-elected to a sixth term.

In other action, commissioners approved, 2-0, new TRIO software for the finance department. Richardson described the software as the tool used for managing county budgeting, payroll and cash receivables. She reported the software cost as $5,002.66. “It’s the same price as last year,” she said.  

Sheriff Brackett said the department is still working on animal control officer agreements with six towns. “We’ve heard from four and are still waiting on a response from two others,” he said. 

The department is also working on shellfish contract renewals with Bremen, Newcastle and Damariscotta. Brackett said the contract is necessary for allowing deputies to enforce local ordinances.

Commissioners authorized a $36,761.60 payment to Central Square for the department’s annual software maintenance agreement. Brackett said the software operates the department’s record management data. The sheriff also sought approval for a non-budgeted expenditure. He requested $11,200 for drone software. Brackett explained it would allow for better crime scene mapping and accident reconstruction. “What typically takes two to four hours will now only take 40 minutes,” he said. 

The county Emergency Management Agency received approval for two purchase orders. Commissioners voted, 2-0, authorizing a $9,261 purchase of Code Red software. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer said Code Red sends emergency text alerts to residents. The county will use EMA and sheriff’s department budgets to fund the purchase. D4H is decision for heroes software which collects emergency data from county officials and local fire chiefs. “It allows remote access during emergencies to alert the public about downed power lines, road closures and other emergencies,” she said. “It’s really an invaluable tool during emergencies.”

Commissioners approved the $4,100 purchase 2-0. Commissioners also authorized a $17,000 payment to Steele Landscaping of Wiscasset for $17,000. This is the second of a three-year contract for plowing the lots of the county courthouse and planning commission. 

Kipfer said longtime Two Bridges Regional Jail Authority board member Denise Marr has resigned. This is the second resignation in recent months. 

Commissioners approved buying 5,174 pounds of bailing wire for the recycling center. The county is paying New England Bailing Wire of Brockton, Massachusetts $8,022.78.

Commissioners held an executive session on a personnel matter. No action was taken afterward. Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 in the courthouse.