Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Hancock County commissioners approve purchases, hires and enter executive session
Loading...
Summary
At a March 17 special meeting in Ellsworth, Hancock County commissioners approved several purchases and hires, authorized transfers, and entered an executive session for union negotiations; commissioners deferred final action on one sheriff's staffing matter pending an academy graduation.
ELLWORTH, Maine — Hancock County commissioners on March 17 approved a set of routine purchases and personnel actions, authorized land payments for airport parcels and moved into executive session for labor contract negotiations.
The commissioners voted unanimously, 3-0 (Clark/DiBella), to approve replacing aged MTI computer systems in the jail control room, authorizing an estimated expenditure of $11,381.39 from the IT Reserve Account. They also authorized payment and Chair signature for two airport parcels: $40,700 for Parcel #1 in the name of Acadia Pines, LLC, and $29,700 for Parcel #10 in the name of Michael B. Hodgkins and Kimberly B. Hodgkins.
The meeting included multiple personnel actions. The commission approved removing Christopher Shahan from classification as a jail corporal under the current collective bargaining agreement and approved Corrections Officer Troy Frye's request to step down from the rank of jail sergeant effective March 21, 2026. The commission approved hiring Emily Finson of Howland as a full-time dispatcher at $32.59 per hour and two part-time Deeds clerks: Courtney Jordan (temporary through Aug. 31, 2026) and Randy Bragg, both at $20.02 per hour.
Maintenance matters included approval to remove McKenzie Blake from county payroll effective March 21, 2026 and authorization to issue an RFP to re-roof all shingled areas on the courthouse.
Lt. Dakota Dupuis told commissioners that the Town of Stonington voted 27-25 to end its patrol contract, a move that put Deputy Dylan Pung's position at risk. Commissioners agreed to keep Deputy Pung on payroll while he completes academy training and deferred final action until closer to his graduation date.
The commissioners voted to enter executive session under Maine statute MRSA Title 1 §405(6)(D) to conduct labor negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police representing the Hancock County Sheriff's Office Association; the session began at 9:18 a.m. and concluded at 10:59 a.m. The meeting adjourned at 11:01 a.m.
Taken together, the votes moved a number of logistical, personnel and facilities items forward and set next steps for the Modern Aviation lease discussion and sheriff's staffing review.