Somerset County Commissioners weigh bridge replacement, jail grants, and 911 call policy

Somerset County commissioners heard updates on jail staffing and a $3.1 million federal grant for addiction treatment, reviewed a road commissioner's bridge inspection report, and voted to direct the administrator to find a solution to non-911 calls reaching the county call center. Commissioners also approved several routine resolutions, including new corrections officer hires and a contract for fire protection in the unorganized territory.

Key points

• Commissioners voted to add a directive (26-172) telling the administrator to find a solution to non-911 calls coming into the call center before January 1, 2027, with the administrator suggesting towns and the sheriff's office be included in talks.
• The sheriff reported a $3.1 million federal grant for extended-release buprenorphine treatment at the jail, to be spent over five years, with meetings planned to work out implementation.
• Road Commissioner Bob presented a visual inspection of five county bridges, calling the Upper Sandy Stream Bridge in Lexington the biggest concern and saying a $765,000 replacement estimate would likely come in over $1 million.
• Commissioners approved resolutions for community benefit awards, commissioner mileage reimbursement, five new corrections officer hires, a New Portland fire protection contract, and a $1,259,300.33 treasurer's warrant.
• The register of deeds described exploring AI-assisted indexing software and credit card payment options, noting credit card fees would pass through to customers.
• The district attorney's office manager reported 12 applicants for a vacant position and an offer extended, and commissioners questioned the cost of an annual prosecutors' training conference.

Next steps

• Administrator to begin work on a non-911 call solution and engage Pittsfield, Skowhegan, Fairfield, and the sheriff's office before any changes.
• Sheriff and staff to meet on grant implementation and report back to commissioners.
• Road commissioner to seek guardrail quotes for next spring and discuss bridge funding options at the next meeting.
• Treasurer to present a preliminary UT budget at the next meeting and consult the state DOT on the Upper Sandy Stream Bridge lifespan.
• Spirit of America recognition night scheduled for October 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Read the full transcript