PARIS – Although the department heads said they are within their budgets so far this year, they also said at Tuesday’s county commissioners’ meeting that they are taking precautions to cut costs.

Sheriff Wayne Gallant said he is taking Mondays off and Chief Deputy Dane Tripp is taking Fridays off, with the additional time made up during the week. Gallant said the move is saving an estimated 19,000 travel miles while still providing adequate coverage.

Gallant also said minor savings will occur through the cancellation of a defunct Identi-kit program and the consolidation of phone lines.

Capt. Ernest Martin of the Oxford County Jail said the jail is within budget, but will soon be hit by at least $15,000 in boarding costs. The jail has been boarding out inmates to jails in other counties due to overcrowding.

Martin said single prisoners are being transported in cruisers rather than vans to cut down on fuel costs, and Gallant said additional transportation savings may occur through the new county jail plan put forth by the state. Gallant said the plan should also cap jail costs.

Jane Rich, the register of deeds East, said she is $25,000 behind in expected revenues, although tax liens and the possible sale of large properties such as Mt. Abram in Greenwood could make up the difference.

Jim Miclon, the director of the Regional Communication Center, said he has been approached about leasing space on communications towers, but is reluctant to do so.

“It would have to be the perfect situation,” Miclon said.

Caldwell Jackson, chairman of the county commissioners, said he would like to look into the use of alternative fuels. Tom Windsor, the register of probate, said the county should also look into ways to better insulate county buildings to save on heating costs.

Jackson also expressed support of converting the county’s calendar year budget to a fiscal year.

“It’s a $50,000 to $55,000 savings,” Jackson said.

Commissioner Steve Merrill said the county has piggybacked with SAD 17 in the past to share fuel costs. Commissioner David Duguay recommended that the county initiate action to negotiate a reduced rate on fuels, individually or in cooperation with another entity.