Lincoln County commissioners accept clean FY2025 audit, approve contracts and vehicle purchases

Lincoln County commissioners meeting in Wiscasset on June 16, 2026 accepted an unmodified “clean” FY2025 financial audit and approved a series of contracts, vehicle purchases and personnel actions.

The board voted unanimously, 3-0, to accept the audit presented by Finance Director Michelle Kane and prepared by RHR Smith & Company. Kane told commissioners the auditors began work in late April and issued the unmodified opinion on June 15, 2026 with no comments or adjusting journal entries. Commissioner David Levesque, chair, congratulated staff, saying "the citizens of Lincoln County know that the finances are maintained very well."

The commissioners approved a $15,000 contract amendment with engineering consultant Gale Associates to assess an additional potential site for a new public safety building and perform GIS mapping, utility tracking and required tests. Administrator Carrie Kipfer said the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission (LCRPC) may be able to do some testing in-house, which could reduce costs; the board authorized Finance Director Michelle Kane to execute the amendment when the work is ready to proceed.

Emergency Management changes were also approved. Administrator Kipfer informed the board that Deputy EMA Director Emma McKearney resigned effective June 5, 2026; the board accepted the resignation and authorized posting the vacancy. EMA Director Emily Huber presented a revised Deputy EMA Director job description, noting formatting changes being coordinated by HR Manager Jesse Tobia and task clarifications; commissioners approved the revised description.

LCRPC Executive Director Emily Rabbe reported that the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission received a recognition award from the National Association of Regional Councils for its Housing Site Study and Social Resilience Project. Rabbe also presented a limited-term planning contract with the Town of Damariscotta to assist with ordinance review and implementation of density changes tied to LD1829 and LD2173; the board approved the contract not to exceed $15,000 for work through March 31, 2027.

The meeting included multiple procurement approvals: payment authorizations for a 2026 Ford Explorer ($44,152) and a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe ($56,553), plus a purchase authorization for a 2026 Ford Explorer with a road-ready package ($47,982). Kipfer said insurance proceeds and reserve funds will cover costs related to a vehicle deemed totaled by the insurer. The board also approved a $4,545.75 purchase for an upgraded vehicle radio to tie into the county Communications Center; the removed radio will be repurposed for the Emergency Management amateur radio trailer.

Administrator Kipfer presented two forfeited-asset transfers set aside for special uses: $3,495 in State v. Troy Folk and $1,090 in State v. Dante Puello; both transfers were approved 3-0.

Facility maintenance issues were discussed: Kipfer reported a leak in the courthouse boiler and noted the unit is more than 20 years old. A repair quote for replacement plates (not including rigger fees) was $35,638; Kipfer said the county's boiler insurance may cover the cost less a $1,000–$2,000 deductible. She recommended study of a full replacement because radiators and piping might also require work if the boiler is replaced.

Personnel and local projects: the board approved hiring Timothy Coston of Pittston as a recycling truck driver effective June 16, 2026, noting his Class B license and prior transfer-station and public-works experience. Kipfer also presented and the board accepted a final report from the Waldoboro Utility District documenting completion of a $200,000 ARPA-funded pump-and-equipment replacement project.

Administratively, the board authorized continued work on potential public-safety building sites (including ordering an appraisal) and encouraged continued discussion about a regional Code Enforcement Officer concept. Commissioners noted upcoming meetings — including an LCRPC Zoom meeting on June 18 and a special Jail Authority meeting June 17 — and reminded the public the next commissioners meeting will be July 7, 2026 at the Pownalborough Courthouse in Dresden, followed by a public picnic on the courthouse lawn. LCTV will record the July meeting.

The board entered and exited executive session for legal matters under 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(E). Following executive session, commissioners approved sending a letter to the Town of Somerville requesting proof of compliance with ARPA broadband funding requirements or return of funds. The meeting adjourned at 11:57 a.m.

Votes at a glance - Minutes (June 2, 2026): approved (motion: Commissioner William B. Blodgett; second: Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky) — 3-0. - Warrant #57 ($400,336.01): approved (motion: Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky; second: Commissioner William B. Blodgett) — 3-0. - Warrant #58 ($332,356.49): approved (motion: Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky; second: Commissioner William B. Blodgett) — 3-0. - Payroll Warrant #2026-12 ($292,267.50): approved (motion: Commissioner William B. Blodgett; second: Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky) — 3-0. - FY2025 Audit (RHR Smith & Company): accepted (motion: Commissioner William B. Blodgett; second: Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky) — 3-0. - Gale Associates contract amendment (+$15,000): approved and authorized for signature (motion: Commissioner William B. Blodgett; second: Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky) — 3-0. - EMA Deputy resignation (Emma McKearney) and posting vacancy: accepted/approved (motion: Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky; second: Commissioner William B. Blodgett) — 3-0. - Revised Deputy EMA Director job description: accepted (motion: Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky; second: Commissioner William B. Blodgett) — 3-0. - Limited-term planning contract with Damariscotta (up to $15,000): approved (motion: Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky; second: Commissioner William B. Blodgett) — 3-0. - Payment authorizations / purchase authorizations for vehicles and radio: approved (various motions/seconds noted in minutes) — all 3-0. - Forfeited asset transfers (T. Folk $3,495; D. Puello $1,090): approved (motions: Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky; second: Commissioner William B. Blodgett) — 3-0. - Hiring of Timothy Coston (recycling truck driver): approved (motion: Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky; second: Commissioner William B. Blodgett) — 3-0. - Acceptance of Waldoboro Utility District ARPA final report: approved (motion: Commissioner William B. Blodgett; second: Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky) — 3-0.

The board's actions were procedural and administrative in nature; no ordinances or budget adoptions occurred during this meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for July 7, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the Pownalborough Courthouse in Dresden.