FARMINGTON – Farmington Fair Association representatives won’t get a free ride, or even a discounted one, when it comes to hiring deputies to patrol the weeklong event.
Although supportive of the fair and thankful of its contributions to the local economy, Franklin County commissioners refused to budge Tuesday on their earlier decision to bill all outside entities $28 per hour per deputy.
The previous rate was $19 for fair patrol and $23 for all other outside organizations requesting coverage. The increase was based on hikes in a union contract for county deputies ratified last Friday.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Raymond Meldrum had proposed that the fair be billed $24 an hour per deputy because of the length of the event and its economic importance to the county.
County commissioners opted at their meeting two weeks ago to not grant any outside agencies a discount unless a group made its case for a break before the commission.
On Tuesday, Dick Hall and Jack Stansfield of the fair association pleaded with commissioners for a reduced rate but got a reception as chilly as one of the fair’s famed snowcones.
Now, the association says it may have to look elsewhere for security.
“Looks to me the county doesn’t seem to care if we have a fair or not,” said Hall after commissioners refused his request. “You can’t run a fair on that increase. We want to pay our fair share. I don’t think we can afford this.”
Although both county Sheriff Dennis Pike and Meldrum voiced their support of the discount, commissioners were opposed because they said they wanted to cover costs and make the rate equitable.
“I don’t think $28 is an exorbitant amount of money to pay. I think it’s fair,” said Commissioner Gary McGrane, adding the area’s economic condition does not warrant a discount.
Commissioner Fred Hardy said although the fair brings significant revenue to the town and deserves a discount, “You guys will have to decide if you want our services or someone else’s.”
The fair association will look at private security, which they have used in the past. But it may not have time to make the arrangements before the September opening of the fair and may be forced to pay the $28 rate.
Private security, said Pike, has its downfalls. He said he feels having uniformed county deputies mingling about the fairgrounds is the best way to deter crime.
Security officers do not have power to arrest and so county deputies may have to be called, Pike said, at the taxpayers’ expense.
$500 gift
Pike announced that the department received a $500 award from MBNA for the second year in a row. Last year the money paid for a freezer at the jail.
Pike suggested that this year it be used to outfit county dispatchers with uniform shirts to enhance the professional appearance of the entire department.
Commissioners decided to not accept the money until there is more information about the uniform shirts, including cost and dress code clauses in union contracts.
Pike said if uniforms aren’t purchased the money would be placed in the communications reserve account.
Bid accepted
Commissioners accepted a bid for new energy-efficient thermal windows for the second floor of the county courthouse.
Four companies submitted bids to replace 22 windows, and the one for $17,508 from American Glass of Waterville and Skowhegan was accepted. The installation is expected to be complete by summer’s end.
Comments are no longer available on this story