What you need to know

Oxford County Commission

May 16, 2017

Commissioners Office, South Paris

Waterford patrols

What happened: Commissioners voted 3-0 to accept a contract between the Sheriff’s Office and Waterford for extra patrols during the summer.

What it means: At the March town meeting, Waterford voters raised $3,672 for more police coverage. Sheriff Wayne Gallant said that the town was looking for the Sheriff’s Office to do speed enforcement patrols from mid-May through Labor Day. According to the contract, patrols will be focused on Waterford Road from the public beach past the library to the Rice Road intersection; Sweden Road, where the speed limit drops to 30 miles per hour; Valley Road, from Melby’s Market and Eatery to the stop sign at Route 118; and in East Waterford, near Springer’s Store.

What’s next: Gallant said his office would schedule “at least 13 four-hour details from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.” He said the patrols would “be an opportunity for our guys to be a little more visible.”

State postponement

What happened: County Administrator Scott Cole said the state pushed back its start date for the Oxford County courthouse expansion to next year.

What it means: It gives the county “the whole year to get our side of the work done, which includes rehabilitating the roof and exterior (of the courthouse),” Cole said. He said the project is estimated to cost $400,000.

What’s next: The county will solicit bids for the roof and exterior work. A pre-bid meeting is set for May 25, with bids being opened June 8.

Recording probate hearings

What happened: Jennifer Dilworth, Oxford County register of probate, said the Probate Court is considering purchasing recording equipment to document hearings.

What it means: Dilworth said that former Judge of Probate Dana Hanley “never recorded meetings,” because he believed it was an investment the state should make. However, she said newly elected Judge of Probate Jarrod Crockett wants to record meetings. Dilworth said “most counties already do it.” Equipment could cost upward of $12,000, but she learned there are “little recorders” that can be purchased that cost under $1,000.

What’s next: No action was taken on the issue.