Lincoln County commissioners accepted a $18,893 national Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Weapon Storage Grant Jan. 20 to expand the sheriff's department's evidence room. In December, Sheriff Todd Brackett requested seeking the grant to expand the room's size.

The current location has space for 170 weapons, and the department is now storing over 500, based on December numbers provided by Brackett. The sheriff's department stores weapons stemming from evidence in a crime investigation, court-mandated protection from abuse orders and from Maine's yellow and red flag laws. Brackett expected the renovation will more than double the room's size.

In other action, commissioners approved four one-year animal control officer agreements with Alna, Newcastle, Edgecomb and Jefferson. Commissioners also approved one-year Marine Law Enforcement Services contract renewals with Newcastle and Damariscotta. Commissioners approved Brackett's request to seek bids on four new 2026 cruisers. The sheriff will advise dealers to send their bids in by March 1.

Commissioners approved a $3,000 Lexis/Nexis TRAX contract renewal. The software is used for gathering evidence by obtaining data from cell phones. Brackett requested spending unbudgeted funds from the IT capital reserve account to buy Easy Street Draw, a software program. The software goes with a recently purchased Central Square program. Easy Street Draw allows users to diagram traffic accidents. Commissioners approved the $16,679.40 purchase.

Commissioners also approved a $4,200 contract renewal with Dirigo Safety, Policy and Accreditation. The department is seeking national accreditation through Maine Sheriffs Association. Dirigo will track training requirements within the department.

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