FARMINGTON — Franklin County commissioners approved a job description Tuesday for a new communications director for the dispatch center.

Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. expects to seek board approval to post and advertise the position by mid-September, he said. It’s funded for half a year.

The job description was drafted using three other communication centers’ plans and the help of a local Advisory Board consisting of police, fire chiefs and the local Emergency Management Agency director.

An oral board for interviews is being developed. It will be a varied board, with members bringing different expertise, he said.

“We want the best person,” he said.

In other business, the board approved changing employment of Deputy Chris Rhinhart at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department from a six-month probation period to permanent status as of Aug. 19.

“He’s doing a fantastic job for us,” Nichols said.

Rhinhart has eight years of law enforcement experience. His salary is adjusted to $16.67 per hour, because of his experience, Nichols said.

The board also unanimously approved the lowest bid, $4,600 from Troy Hull, who works locally as Aurora Contracting Inc., for inside painting at the Franklin County Courthouse.

The first-floor hall, both stairways and second floor hallways up to the courtroom will be painted, Greg Roux, county custodian, said. Hull will patch cracks and prep, prime and paint the hallway.

Bids were also received from Final Touch Painting and Carpentry of Vienna for $4,820 and Jim’s Painting Service of Farmington for $6,487.

Commissioners gave final approval to start paving work on the courthouse parking lot at Main and Church streets.

The board accepted a bid of $17,893 from Pavement Plus of Smithfield for the work at its last meeting. The approval, based on the proposal meeting specifications and references, checked out.

County Clerk Julie Magoon assured the commissioners that the company’s references were fine.

There was a little confusion as to whether the current paving would be reclaimed or with gravel brought in, Commissioner Gary McGrane said.

The paving project was eliminated from the budget last year. This year, the committee and commissioners approved $25,000 for the work.

Commissioners also approved advertising for bids for snow removal in Lang Township, Perkins Township and Washington Township. The two bids have expired, Magoon told the board, requiring they go back out to bid. There is a five-year contract for the work.

The board voted to change its next meeting to 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, so they could attend an expected Department of Corrections meeting in Augusta on Aug. 20. Nichols told the board a vote on the Franklin County jail may take place.

abryant@sunjournal.com

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