Androscoggin County Sheriff Eric Samson sits in is office in Auburn in March 2021. The county commission appointed him Wednesday as interim county administrator. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal file
AUBURN — Sheriff Eric Samson said he is looking forward to the new challenge after the Androscoggin County Commission appointed him Wednesday as the interim county administrator.
Samson, who will retain his role as sheriff, is replacing Clarice Proctor, who resigned earlier this month, but is continuing in her previous position as treasurer and finance director. County officials were never able to find Proctor’s replacement as treasurer, forcing her to work both jobs for the past 16 months — 10 as the interim administrator.
Samson said he anticipates the county will hire a new administrator in about three months.
“There will be some extra tasks and things to do for the commissioners, but I don’t think it will overwhelm me,” Samson said. “I’m fortunate that my administrative team is supportive. We all know the expectations. We function well. I’ll still be here like I am every day.”
Commissioners appointed Samson following a short executive session to discuss their options. Samson received unanimous support from the five commissioners present. Commissioners Garrett Mason of Lisbon and Andrew Lewis of Auburn were absent.
Samson was first elected sheriff in 2014 and has won reelection twice.
“Administratively, I have experience dealing with the largest part of county government — the Sheriff’s Department,” Samson said. “I was asked if I would come in and help. I have a great working relationship with the other department heads. As I previously said, I have full confidence in my administrative staff in the Sheriff’s Office.
Commissioners will hold a workshop Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. to discuss hiring a new administrator.
In other business, commissioners were stymied in their attempt to raise the county’s Public Service Answering Point fees charged to the municipalities who utilize the county’s 911 service for police calls. The Sheriff’s Department suggested a 5% increase.
The county collects its dispatch fees two ways — a large portion is collected through county taxes and a lesser amount is paid through PSAP fees, which are determined per capita.
Lewiston and Auburn have their own dispatch service and do not use the county system, but still pay for the service through county taxes.
Chairman Sally Christner of Turner suggested no increase this year because it is too late in the year for the towns to prepare for it in their budgets.
Commissioner Roland Poirier of Lewiston suggested an 8% increase to lessen the impact to Lewiston and Auburn. Both motions received a second.
Lewiston Commissioner Brian Ames’ motion to support the sheriff’s 5% recommendation also failed for lack of a second.
Edouard Plourde of Lewiston attempted to comprise with a 6.5% increase. It received a 3-2 vote in favor, but lacked the four votes required for passage. Plourde tried one more time with Ames’ 5% increase but that also failed to receive the 4-vote majority.
With no agreement in sight, the fees will remain the same, but towns will see their rates adjust up or down depending on the 2020 census.
The board approved a tax-anticipation loan from Androscoggin Bank for 5.98% interest. The bank was the lone bidder on the note.
Commissioners also recertified optional arrest powers for the Sheriff’ Department, giving deputies authority to arrest individuals beyond Androscoggin County.
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