Sacrifices were made by several departments of county government during the recent budget process, Androscoggin County Commission Chairman Elmer Berry said at a recent meeting of the commission.

Those sacrifices resulted in no tax increase, he said.

“It seems to have had a rippling effect in other counties,” said Berry. He said other counties have used Androscoggin as an example when discussing their own budgets.

In other business, commissioners:

• Authorized a contract for emergency dispatching services with the town of Greene.

• Accepted a request from Sheriff Ronald Gagnon to go out to bid for two new police vehicles and one four-wheel-drive vehicle for police patrol.

• Recognized Commissioner Patience Johnson for her recent election as president of the Maine County Commission Association. Berry said that position gives Androscoggin County a chance to hear about issues from county commissioners throughout Maine.

• Unanimously re-elected Berry to a second, one-year term as chairman.

– John Plestina
Litchfield:

Insurance benefits capped for employees

Selectmen voted to grandfather insurance benefits for existing town employees last week.

A cap of $6,000 that the town spends for each employee’s health insurance premium annually has been in effect. With a recent rate increase, the cost exceeds $6,000. The selectmen voted to pay the increase for the existing employees. New employees will pay 25 percent of the cost of their individual insurance.

– John Plestina
Litchfield:

Liquor-license hearings of interest

Town Manager Steve Musica announced that a hearing is scheduled for noon on Friday, Feb. 6, to consider three liquor licenses. The hearing will be in the State Office Building in Augusta.

The three businesses seeking licenses to become agency liquor stores are Litchfield Country Store, Route 126 Citgo and The Other Side.

– John Plestina
Lisbon:

Church wants to buy elementary school

The Rev. David Garnett, pastor the Open Door Bible Church in Lisbon Village, has notified the town that the church is interested in buying Lisbon Elementary School and the surrounding grounds on Gartley Street.

If purchased, the facilities would be used for the church and related ministries, Garnett said.

He said he understands the properties may possibly be available soon for purchase and/or possibly for lease-to-purchase. In either case, the church is interested.

– Connie Footman
Lisbon:

High school

to get paint job

Under its social services program, the Androscoggin Sheriff’s Department will have between 35 and 50 workers at Lisbon High School during February break to complete a number of projects. Those include painting the gym from ceiling to floor and painting the hallway from the lobby entrance to the 300 wing.

– Connie Footman
Sabattus:

Town office closed

for holiday

The Town Office will close Monday for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume Tuesday.

– J.P.

Litchfield: Town meeting date set

Selectmen have set June 12 as the date of the annual town meeting. The municipal election will be held along with the primary election on June 8.

– J.P.