Sagadahoc County commissioners approve patrol‑sergeant reclassification, equipment purchases and courthouse repairs

The Sagadahoc County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved several personnel and courthouse maintenance actions during a special meeting Oct. 28, including a patrol‑sergeant reclassification, purchase of radar speed units paid from forfeiture funds, replacement of an HVAC expansion tank, new Commissioners’ room flooring and glycol replacement in the heating loop.

Sheriff Joel Merry told the board the department is reorganizing to promote a Corporal to Sergeant to address staffing shortages, and said the reclassification "wouldn’t adversely affect his budget" and had been signed off under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Commissioners asked detailed wording questions about the job description and how expectations would be documented; Chief Deputy Jason Warlick said the department plans to attach a list of duties and to push shift pass‑down information into deputies’ CAD/MDT screens so incoming personnel see active issues.

On equipment, Merry said the county previously accepted $14,800 in forfeiture funds and recommended buying four radar speed units to replace aging units; the vendor program provides a fifth unit free with the purchase. Commissioners discussed current unit counts (about 19 needed, roughly 12 in service with six that have obsolete parts) and voted to approve the expenditure using forfeiture funds.

Facilities Director Aaron Hanscom outlined needed courthouse repairs: replacement of an ASME‑rated HVAC expansion tank ($6,200 total, split across the HVAC and Courthouse Maintenance Capital lines) and glycol replacement for the heating loop (estimated at $7,500). Hanscom also reported abatement had been completed after earlier flooding and that unexpected hardwood subfloor elevations had expanded the flooring scope; Maine State Flooring won a two‑bid procurement and commissioners authorized $11,401.74 for tile replacement and subfloor work in the Commissioners’ room and the Deeds research room.

Commissioner Crosby and others questioned whether glycol replacement would be covered by insurance; Finance Director Jill Flaherty said staff had submitted the invoice but the commissioners approved using contingency funds if needed. All motions on these items passed unanimously.

Next steps: Sheriff’s Office will proceed with the reclassification and promotional process; Facilities will schedule flooring installation and order tank/glycol work; staff will track insurance reimbursement and return with any budget adjustments.