Lincoln County commissioners tabled voting on the Fiscal Year 26 budget Nov. 18 for two reasons. One is Chairman Bill Blodgett was absent. The other is details of a proposed partnership between Two Bridges Regional Jail Authority and Knox County were unknown.

Under the proposal, Knox County would send its long-term incarcerated jail population to the Wiscasset jail. In an October press release, Knox County officials said it would ease their financial strain and address a growing concern about their aging facility in Rockland.

Lincoln County Commissioners David Levesque and Evan Goodkowsky plan to vote on the budget at their Dec. 2 meeting. Commissioners are also waiting on final 2026 insurance risk pool increases prior to formalizing the budget. Last month, county officials reported the draft budget is $17,439,783 or a 3.65% increase.

In other action, the county courthouse will receive a security upgrade and repaired elevator. Commissioners approved $13,310 for six additional security cameras. Last year, commissioners used a federal Homeland Security grant to purchase 13 cameras. County Administrator Carrie Kipfer reported the new cameras will cover "dead spots" in the security system. "There is money left over from last year's grant to pay for the six cameras," she said.

Commissioners approved a major overhaul of the courthouse elevator which has been closed for months. Kipfer said the elevator doors weren't closing properly which resulted in the closure. Commissioners approved spending $19,800 for the repairs. Pine State Elevator of Portland will install a new door, clutch, and door protection device.

Commissioners received a $20,000 grant request for a women's recovery residence in Edgecomb. Sally Albert is seeking a grant from the county's opioid settlement funds. Albert purchased a Dodge Road farm which also has an animal kennel. The female recovery house would serve as a place for females released from incarceration to rebuild their lives. "Women would receive a safe place to stay, receive counseling and work at the kennel," Kipfer said. Commissioners tabled the request until they receive more information. Commissioners accepted county Human Resource Coordinator Carol Thibeault's resignation. Her last day is Jan. 30, 2026.

Commissioners approved Brianna Edwards' promotion to paralegal in the Lincoln County District Attorney's office. Commissioners also approved hiring two 911 emergency dispatchers: Abby Planeta of Cushing and Nicholas Mercer of Nobleboro. Commissioners approved emergency communication antenna replacements in Nobleboro and Boothbay. Commissioners authorized $12,416 to replace and install the new antennas.

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