Damariscotta Town Manager Matt Lutkus has asked Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett to submit a proposal for his office to provide police services in Damariscotta.
The proposal, if met with the approval of the Board of Selectmen and citizens, would result in the elimination of the Damariscotta Police Department.
Lutkus, in a June 12 phone interview, described the request as a “very preliminary step” and said the Board of Selectmen would have to complete a “full review process” and citizens would have to approve an amendment to Damariscotta’s charter in order to effect the change. The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners would also have to approve any contract with the sheriff’s office, he said.
“As a town government, it’s our duty to provide government services at the best possible cost and that’s what we’re doing,” Lutkus said. “We’re looking at options.”
Lutkus also stressed that county management would not result in a reduction in services. The county would “give the town the same level of service it has today,” he said, including 24/7 staffing.
Lutkus has, at the direction of the selectmen, attempted to find a qualified company or organization to conduct a police staffing study, but a request for proposals did not elicit any response.
He also said the selectmen have asked to be presented with alternatives to the current method of providing police services.
Lutkus said the request to the sheriff was the “best approach at this point” and will give the town “a feel for how efficiently we’re running our department.”
Lutkus said he would, “at a minimum,” ask that the present staff of the department have “first right of refusal” for LCSO jobs in Damariscotta.
“Certainly, I have nothing against our police department,” Lutkus said. “I think they’re a great group of people and dedicated individuals.”
Lutkus shared his request, along with a brief explanation, with department employees the afternoon of June 12.
“I apologize in advance for the alarm and concern that this may cause employees,” he wrote.
The department currently has six full-time employees – a chief, four patrol officers and an administrative assistant – as well as several reserve officers and seasonal parking enforcement officers.
Lutkus said he has briefed Police Chief Chad Andrews about the request. “My relationship with the chief has been very positive,” Lutkus said.
Andrews will complete a one-year probationary period, a stipulation of his contract, June 30. A second, two-year phase of the contract starts July 1 if the town manager determines he has “successfully completed” the probationary period.
Lutkus said he plans to “proceed with the offering of the regular position as if we weren’t even looking at this proposal.”
He did point out, however, a provision that the chief’s contract “shall terminate on the occurrence of” several events, including “the elimination of the Department.”
Andrews said he found out about Lutkus’ request of LCSO in an e-mail and was “shocked and dismayed” upon reading it.
He said he thinks the people of Damariscotta have been “very pleased” with the department under his leadership.
“I think if the townspeople have a choice, I don’t think we have anything to worry about,” he said.
