ROCKLAND – Knox County government plans to get involved with its residents’ energy needs for next year.

The Knox County commissioners Tuesday voted 3-0 to approve a proposal by county Emergency Management Agency Director Ray Sisk to start a countywide general assistance energy contract for the 2008-09 heating season. The vote authorized Sisk to begin the discussion with the fuel companies and the towns.

Sisk’s plan is to have the county act as a focal point for all the general assistance energy programs in Knox County municipalities to get better oil and propane prices and delivery service for residents needing help with fuel purchases. The program would not compete with the LIHEAP fund run by Penquis Community Action, Sisk said.

Sisk said he would like to be able to eliminate the additional prices that fuel companies charge for small deliveries.

“Many of the general assistance customers get only 50 or 60 gallons at a time, and they have to pay add-ons for small quantities,” he said.

He said many of the county’s general assistance administrators meet to discuss fuel programs.

“We’re looking for ways for people to collaborate by using the administrative function of the county,” he said.

County Administrator William Post commended Sisk “for bringing the idea forward.”

In another item, commissioners approved a $765 request to help pay for half of the mailing costs for a flier on fuel assistance to county residents. Sisk said a private donation had covered the other half of the mailing costs.

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners tabled an action item until the March meeting on the nominating process for Airport Public Advisory Committee candidates.

Commissioner Anne Beebe-Center, who requested the delay, said a news release to potential applicants could go out now, but she asked that the approval be postponed to allow time for other ways to get the word out about the positions to more people.

“You’ve got three people who have served for many, many years,” she said. “I want to make sure we have a diverse group of people to serve.”

The nine-seat committee is designed to provide a link between the midcoast communities, the airport manager and the county.

Airport Manager Jeff Northgraves said three of the nine terms expire this year, including seats held by John Curtis of Thomaston, Charlie Siletti of Owls Head and John Newcomb of St. George. In addition, commissioners have to fill to 2009 the unexpired term of Mat McConnel of Camden, who has asked to be replaced.

The commissioners plan to fill the advisory committee seats at the April 7 meeting.

In other matters, commissioners approved these items:

. A revised job description for the patrol administrator in the sheriff’s office.

. A transfer of $8,000 from the dispatch GIS reserve fund to dispatch computer reserve fund to buy three new laptop computers.

. The Knox County information technology policy and a related acceptable use policy that covers confidentiality.

After an executive session, commissioners unanimously approved a salary of $400 a week for Northgraves as the interim county administrator for up to eight weeks. William Post is leaving as county administrator at the end of the month to become town manager of Waldoboro. The commissioners have begun a search to fill the position permanently.

Northgraves will continue in his capacity as airport manager.

gchappell@bangordailynews.net

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