Lincoln County Sheriff's Department is getting some help in dealing with people struggling with mental health issues. On July 1, Sheriff Todd Brackett introduced Danielle Pierce as the department's mental health liaison. Pierce will act as bridge between people needing mental services and resources available for them. She will share office space with the sheriff's department and contribute as a consultant.

Brackett proposed hiring a consultant in an effort to reduce the number of people sent to jail or the emergency room. "This is new to us, but there are several liaisons working across the state at other departments," Brackett said. "She will do assessments on the spot, and especially help with 'frequent fliers' who put stress on the system."

Lincoln County contracted with Sweetser, a Maine network of mental behavioral services, for a dedicated full-time liaison within the Wiscasset office. The agreement with Sweetser has a $96,000 annual cost.  

In other action, County Emergency Management Agency Director Emily Huber reported power is slowly returning to Monhegan Island. On June 26, the island experienced an electrical outage for two days. Huber and Communications Center Director Tara Doe visited the island to survey the situation and bring needed supplies. County officials also enlisted aid for the U.S. Coast Guard base in Boothbay Harbor to transport two 30 kW generators. Huber reported by Saturday the generators had returned power to the island. "It's back, but we are still monitoring the situation," she said.

Commissioners approved purchasing conference room tables for Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission. Executive Director Emily Rabbe reported the purchase is for a "nesting set" which includes six 72-inch-by-24-inch folding tables. "The planning department hosts many conferences, and recently there has been a significant increase in attendance," she said. "The new tables have wheels so moving them around is easier." The "nesting set" cost is $3,927.81.

County Administrator Carrie Kipfer updated commissioners on how a recently approved legislative bill would impact the Registry of Deeds. The Legislature approved LD 1287 "Decrease in the Real Estate Transfer Tax Revenue" which temporarily changes the split of fees between state and county. Previously, the state received 90% of fees and the county kept 10%.

Under the new law, counties will now receive 9.2%. Kipfer told commissioners the state will use the additional funds for an emergency program to fund a housing program for renters vulnerable of being evicted. Kipfer said the Legislature wants to create a $1 million fund which will accrue funds over a two-year program.  Under LD 1287, the Legislature will increase fees on properties valued over $1 million which is designed to replace monies lost to the counties. "I think we will be alright," Kipfer said. "I don't think the change will have a major impact on coastal counties."

Commissioner William Blodgett didn't seem to trust the Legislature would abide by their proposal to limit the reduction to two years. "What bothers me is it used to be 15%, and the gods in Augusta arbitrarily reduced it to 10, so I wonder if we will ever see it back to 10," he said. "If you believe it will go back to 10 then you probably believe in Santa Claus, too."

Commissioners meet next at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 15 in the courthouse.