MECHANIC FALLS —The Town Council unanimously adopted a resolution Monday night “offering a united vote of confidence and support to keep and maintain our own local Mechanic Falls Police Department.”

Since late summer, the department has had only Chief Jeffery Goss. The town is in the process of hiring a patrol sergeant and three additional patrol officers.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office has assisted with calls when Goss is not on duty.

Goss said previously that the county “can help temporarily but it’s not sustainable,” adding it will take time for the department to get back to full strength.

He said he has interviewed two people for the sergeant’s position and will be able to make a decision soon. The resolution will help attract personnel and he thanked the council for the vote of confidence.

In other matters, the town is also looking to hire a town clerk to replace Julie Ward, who will begin working for Otisfield after Oct. 22. Ward has been town clerk since June 2019.

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In other business, the council approved a warrant article for a Nov. 2 vote asking approval to spend $20,694 from the undesignated fund balance “to grant abatements necessary due to clerical errors.” The amount is above the limit the council is allowed to approve.

Councilors also appointed Alyssa Morrison to the Regional School Unit 16 board of directors to succeed Arleena Stotts, who resigned in August.

Carrie Paradis was appointed to the Recreation Committee.

Town Manager Vic Hodgkins said the town will receive two installments of $157,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act, the first one this year and the second in 2022. He said the town has until the end of 2024 to inform the federal government how it plans to spend the money and until 2026 to use it.


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