FARMINGTON — Franklin County’s credit card has been compromised twice in the past 18 months.

A representative of Bank of America, which issued the card, has notified the county recently of possible fraudulent purchases made on the account.

Financial Manager Vickie Braley reviewed the county’s account online and determined some charges were fraudulent, Braley told commissioners Tuesday.

They decided to cancel the credit card. It left the county without an active credit card to make purchases for three days, she said. The bank issued a new card to the county.

The fraudulent purchases were not something county employees would have made, Braley said. One fraudulent purchase was for entertainment.

Commissioners voted Tuesday to get a backup credit card from a different financial institution so if the card was compromised again, the other card would be available.

It also allows for a second card to be on hand when representatives of a department go to training or a conference and they need to take the card with them, Braley said.

There was discussion about getting separate cards for the departments that do major spending as suggested by a bank executive, but commissioners nixed the idea.

Commissioners Chairman Charles Webster of Farmington said he likes to have Braley managing the account. 

Commissioners authorized Braley and Treasurer Pam Prodan to work together to get a second card.

In other matters, commissioners asked unorganized territory Road Agent Jerry Haines to assess what needs to be done to rebuild a portion of Alder Brook Road in Perkins Township. Haines will develop specifications for the road to be rebuilt and an estimate of the cost for commissioners. The project, if commissioners approve it, would be put out to bid. 

The road, which is about nine-tenths of a mile, becomes very muddy and impassable at times. Commissioners compared pictures of the road when snowbanks were pushed back in 2016 and more recently when the banks were not pushed back.

Webber said he saw no difference between them.

“It is still a mud mess,” he said.

There is money an unorganized territory reserve account for roads.

Commissioners also voted unanimously to approve a request by the District Attorney’s Office to get higher-speed internet service through Great Works Internet at District Court, to be used by prosecutors who need to review files or other documents while in court. 

The cost was negotiated down to $190 a month from $250, and includes the DA’s Office.

Commissioners also agreed to issue Maine Department of Transportation construction overweight permits in the townships of Jim Pond, Alder Stream and Chain of Ponds in northern Franklin County.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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