Controversy inside Androscoggin County government might be ending, but the movement to change how it’s managed should be just starting.

On Wednesday, commissioners capitulated to Sheriff Guy Desjardins and permitted him to advertise, and hire, an additional patrol deputy. The issue has polarized the county, exposed rifts between the sheriff and commission and revealed the inherent flaws of Maine’s archaic system of county governance.

Desjardins has his deputy, but it took several months, news conferences, tense meetings, accusations and finally the chairman’s comprehensive insult to police to get it done. Only when faced with demands for the resignation of Chairman Elmer Berry from law enforcement statewide did the commission finally elect to act.

This is unresponsive, unaccountable government. Although commissioners quieted this controversy, reforming the county through a charter, to lay groundwork for hiring a professional county manager, should begin immediately.

Part-time elected panels are insufficient to administer the day-to-day business of entities with a multi-million dollar budget. Increasing commissioners from three to five, as proposed in the Legislature by Rep. Scott Lansley, R-Sabattus, would lead to more balanced representation, but cannot guarantee better management of county resources.

A county charter could, by outlining a streamlined, efficient model of governance that breaks Androscoggin County away from its rule by antiquated statute. Lansley’s bill is wise, yet legislation mandating charters would also be most welcome.

In the meantime, the commission must address, and resolve, the causes of its dispute with Desjardins and officials from several towns. Its budget is balanced precariously, based on reserves and anticipated state funds, and all efforts must be made to put the county on solid fiscal footing.

Commissioners braced towns for tax increases in approving Desjardins’ deputy, based on forecasts for its 2008 spending. Instead of warning about spikes, the commission should show leadership in trimming spending to mitigate its impact on communities already burdened by property taxes.

A final decision must be rendered on the appointment of Eric Samson as chief deputy, an unmentioned issue during Wednesday’s meeting.

After doing so, commissioners Berry, Helen Poulin and Constance Cote – who has been absent from recent meetings due to illness – must break bread with Desjardins to repair their damaged relationship. Citizens need these offices, the sheriff and commission, to work well together now, and into the future.

The creative budgeting the commission employed Wednesday to grant Desjardins his deputy won’t make this happen, though commissioners deserve credit for drawing the curtain on this sideshow by making the right choice, and siding with public sentiment, and safety.

It’s not enough, however. County flare-ups have happened in the past, only to fade into memory after being extinguished, and business allowed to continue as usual.

This cannot happen again. A charter would prevent it.