FARMINGTON — Franklin County commissioners voted Tuesday to allow Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. to hire Philip Lynch of Winthrop as a patrol deputy,  pending a background check and psychological examination.

Lynch must attend the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in August, Nichols said. He has worked as a part-time officer for another agency. He has already passed a polygraph examination, he said.

The hiring process was delayed a couple of times due to a lack of qualified applicants, he said. Six applicants were interviewed and Lynch came out on top, Nichols said.

Lynch is looking forward to relocating with his family to the Chesterville or New Sharon area, he said.

If he is hired, he will be riding and working with another deputy for six to eight weeks in field training.

“He brings a lot of personal experience,”  the sheriff said.

Commissioners also voted to give jail manager Doug Blauvelt permission to post in-house and advertise outside for two corrections officer positions and a custodian for the jail. Blauvelt was at another meeting and could not attend.

Clerk Julie Magoon said Blauvelt was notified verbally that a corrections officer would be getting done. He believes that he will have another vacancy, she said.

The current custodian has indicated he wants to go back to just being a corrections officer, Magoon said.

Magoon also told commissioners Communications Director Stan Wheeler asked if a section in a labor agreement could be waived that prohibits a probationary employee to use accrued days off until the six-month period is up.

A person left the county’s employment for three days and when a job offer fell through was rehired, she said. The employee would like to use some vacation time to visit a relative, she said.

Commission Chairman Fred Hardy of New Sharon said he was concerned about the union contract and setting precedent.

Commissioner Gary McGrane of Jay said he agreed with Hardy.

He can take the time off without pay, McGrane said.

Commissioner Clyde Barker of Strong also agreed with other commissioners on the issue but no vote was taken.

In another matter, commissioners voted to allow Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice to use the county parking to hold a 5K and Remembrance Walk as a fundraiser on May 4.

dperry@sunjournal.com