Workplace fines cut in Piscataquis County

DOVER-FOXCROFT – A $700 fine imposed upon Piscataquis County earlier this spring for violation of occupational safety and health rules has been reduced to zero because of the county’s quick response.

The Bureau of Labor Standards cited the county for a missing guard on a compressor, the lack of exit lighting and for a lack of organization in the basement of the county facility.

Since all three issues cited were corrected quickly, Piscataquis County commissioners learned Tuesday that the bureau officials dropped the penalty.

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners agreed to change the fiscal year of the county’s fire protection contracts with the towns of Milo and Brownville for surrounding unorganized townships. The contract year now will run from July to June.

The commissioners also agreed to pay Milo $7,300 a year for fire protection services based on Orneville’s valuation.