Waldo County public meetings in 2024

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will hold executive sessions to discuss a personnel matter and contract negotiations with the Deputy Sheriffs Association. The meeting includes financial reports and the closing of books for the Registry of Probate and Registry of Deeds.

• Deputy Sheriffs Association contract negotiations
• Closing books for Registry of Probate
• Closing books for Registry of Deeds
• County Regular, Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry warrants

The Waldo County Commissioners approved the 2025 health insurance rates, COBRA premiums, and ratified the Deputy Sheriff's Association contract for 2025-2027. They also approved the 2025 Tax Anticipation Note for $5 million, various financial payments, and several personnel actions. The meeting included executive sessions for non-public information and contract negotiations.

• Approved 2025 Health Insurance rates at Document 'C' proposal (unanimous)
• Approved actuary's recommended 2025 COBRA premiums (unanimous)
• Ratified Deputy Sheriff's Association Contract for 2025-2027 (unanimous)
• Approved $1,884 invoice for DA office remodel from Facilities reserve (unanimous)
• Approved $27,792.25 Sophos invoice from Future Technology Reserve (unanimous)
• Approved $22,925 from cruiser auction to Future County reserve (unanimous)
• Approved signing 2025 Tax Anticipation Note for $5,000,000 (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Liza Clark as Office Associate at $21/hr (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet via Zoom to review financial, human resources, and information technology reports. The session includes the bid opening and a recommendation for a 2025 Tax Anticipation Note.

• 2025 Tax Anticipation Note bid opening
• Recommendation for Tax Anticipation Note
• Review of County Regular, Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry Regular Warrants
• Executive session regarding a personnel matter

The Waldo County Commissioners accepted the resignation of Corrections Administrator Raymond Porter, approved a 2025 Tax Anticipation Note bid from Camden National Bank at 5.31% interest, and signed a new Motorola contract. They also authorized warrants totaling $1,600,625.39 and accepted the financial report. The meeting was held via Zoom due to weather.

• Accepted resignation of Corrections Administrator Raymond Porter effective 12/16/2024 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Tax Anticipation Note bid from Camden National Bank at 5.31% interest, $290,449.73 (unanimous)
• Accepted and filed the Financial Report (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of General Fund warrant $1,236,618.75 and payroll $214,626.07 (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of MCRRC/Corrections warrant $98,919.42 and payroll $50,391.15 (unanimous)
• Signed contract with Motorola for new subscription (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of November 7, 2024 minutes to next session
• Voted to enter executive session for personnel matter (unanimous, no action taken)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will convene on November 21, 2024, to review financial, human resources, and information technology reports. The meeting includes a public comment period and an executive session to discuss non-public information.

• Finance Report
• Human Resources Report
• Information Technology Report
• Approval of Minutes
• Executive Session

The Waldo County Commissioners approved $1.36 million in general fund warrants and $654,948 in corrections warrants, and hired Matthew Holmes as a full-time Corrections Officer. They also approved a $27,792 Sophos antivirus renewal, a records disposition list, and a memorandum of understanding with NCEU. The board voted 2-1 to accept funds from the Target Master Settlement agreement, with Commissioner Fowler opposed.

• Approved $1,362,619.34 in general fund warrants and payroll (unanimous)
• Approved $654,948.29 in corrections warrants and payroll (unanimous)
• Hired Matthew Holmes as full-time Corrections Officer at $27.74/hr effective Dec 8, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved Sophos 3-year antivirus renewal for $27,792.25 (unanimous)
• Approved records disposition list for Aug-Oct 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved and signed MOU with NCEU (unanimous)
• Accepted Target Master Settlement funds (2-1, Fowler opposed)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will review warrants and finance reports for the County Regular, Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry accounts. The meeting includes reports from Community Service Support, Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, and Information Technology. Two executive sessions are scheduled to discuss non-public information and personnel matters.

• Approval of County Regular, Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry Regular Warrants
• Community Service Support report from Director Dale Rowley
• Finance Report from Director Kari Hunt
• Human Resources Report from Director Annette McLaggan
• Executive sessions regarding non-public information and personnel matters

The Waldo County Commissioners approved a series of financial actions at their November 7, 2024 session, including two warrant payments totaling $2,047,963.46 and $874,752.64, and authorized a $2,250,000 payment on the Tax Anticipation Note. They also approved a $5,000 opioid settlement grant to Belfast Creative Coalition (AIME) and a 4% increase in Northeast Delta Dental premiums for 2025. After two executive sessions, the Commissioners voted to pay B.P.D. $16,240.00 from Account 0262; no action was taken in the first executive session.

• Approved sending old County generator to Waldo Maine Militia (unanimous)
• Denied State Police request to use EMA facility; buildings to remain secure for EMA/County use (unanimous)
• Accepted and filed Financial Report (unanimous)
• Authorized $2,047,963.46 General Fund warrant and payroll payment (unanimous)
• Authorized $874,752.64 MCRRC/Corrections warrant and payroll payment (unanimous)
• Approved 4% Northeast Delta Dental premium increase for 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Katie Coleman as Victim Witness Advocate at $24.79/hr effective Nov 12, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 from Opioid Settlement Account to Belfast Creative Coalition d/b/a AIME (unanimous)

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss and review the proposed 2025 County Budget. This session will be followed by the final Budget Committee meeting to review the budget.

• Public hearing on the proposed 2025 County Budget
• Final Budget Committee meeting

County Commissioners

The Commissioners are meeting for a special session to review warrants, vouchers, and a finance report. The primary purpose of the meeting is an executive session for consultation with legal counsel.

• Review of warrants, vouchers, and finance report
• Executive session for legal counsel consultation per MRSA Title 1§405(6)(E)

The Waldo County Commissioners met in special session and immediately entered executive session for legal consultation. They exited without taking any action and adjourned. No substantive decisions were made.

• Entered executive session for legal counsel (unanimous)
• Exited executive session with no action taken (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Budget Committee

The Waldo County Budget Committee will review budget requests from the District Attorney's office, the Sheriff's department, and facilities management for the 2025 fiscal year. The committee will also discuss reserve accounts and vote on the entire budget to set a date for a public hearing.

• Review of 2025 budget requests for District Attorney (1015), Facilities (1030), and Jail (1050)
• Discussion on reserve accounts
• Vote on entire budget for public hearing
• Public hearing date to be set
• Meeting held at 39-B Spring Street, Belfast

The Waldo County Budget Committee unanimously approved the total proposed 2025 county budget of $12,842,081.68, which includes the $8,736,461.35 county budget and the $4,105,620.33 jail budget. The committee also acknowledged that the jail budget exceeds the 4% legislative cap. All individual department budgets were approved unanimously.

• Approved total FY2025 county budget of $8,736,461.35 (unanimous)
• Approved total jail budget of $4,105,620.33 (unanimous)
• Acknowledged jail budget exceeds 4% legislative cap (unanimous)
• Approved total grand budget of $12,842,081.68 (unanimous)
• Approved District Attorney budget at $328,473.00 (unanimous)
• Approved Sheriff budget at $2,564,300.00 (unanimous)
• Approved Facilities Management budget at $295,252.00 (unanimous)
• Reduced electricity lines by $20,000.00 to $39,500.00 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are meeting for a special session. The primary purpose of the meeting is an executive session to discuss non-public information.

• Executive Session regarding non-public information per MRSA Title 1§405(6)(F)

The Waldo County Commissioners held a special court session and unanimously approved a correction to the 2024 Jail budget, transferring $150,000 from Account ending 2771 and $140,272.15 from Account ending 7684, totaling $290,272.15. The session included an executive session for discussion of non-public information, and the meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

• Approved $290,272.15 jail budget correction (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for non-public discussion (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 10:25 a.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will review a shelter feeding agreement and discuss an enterprise vehicle option. The meeting includes reports from finance, human resources, and information technology, as well as two executive sessions regarding personnel.

• Updated Shelter Feeding Agreement
• Enterprise Vehicle Option discussion
• Finance Report
• Human Resources Report
• Information Technology Report

The Waldo County Commissioners unanimously approved a five-year vehicle lease with Enterprise, projected at $71,054.00 for the first year, with potential savings of about $700,000 over 10 years. They also unanimously approved an updated feeding agreement with the Belfast Soup Kitchen for the Community Emergency Shelter. The board accepted the financial report, authorized warrant payments totaling $551,192.43, and approved the September 19, 2024 minutes with one abstention.

• Approved Enterprise vehicle lease (unanimous)
• Approved Belfast Soup Kitchen shelter feeding agreement (unanimous)
• Closed former TAN account at First National Bank, applied $4,052.37 to current TAN (unanimous)
• Accepted and filed financial report (unanimous)
• Transferred $20,000 from Future Technology Reserve 0266 to Technology Reserve 0265 (unanimous)
• Authorized General Fund warrants totaling $328,543.34 (unanimous)
• Authorized MCRRC/Corrections warrants totaling $222,649.09 (unanimous)
• Approved September 19, 2024 minutes (2-0, Fowler abstained)

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee is meeting to review 2025 budget requests from specific county departments. The session includes presentations from the Register of Probate, Register of Deeds, and Communications Director.

• Budget request review for Registry of Probate (1070)
• Budget request review for Registry of Deeds (1065)
• Budget request review for Communications Center (1076)

The Budget Committee approved the FY2025 budgets for the Registry of Probate ($329,835), Registry of Deeds ($249,081 after reducing microfilming to $50,000), and Communications Center ($1,361,484.19 after adjusting shift differentials and radio maintenance). All votes were unanimous. The committee also approved the October 5 minutes with an amendment and scheduled a reserve discussion for the next meeting.

• Approved Registry of Probate budget at $329,835 (unanimous)
• Reduced microfilming line to $50,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Registry of Deeds budget at $249,081 (unanimous)
• Reduced Radio Maintenance line by $5,000 to $5,000 (unanimous)
• Increased Shift Differential line to $20,692 (unanimous)
• Approved Communications Center budget at $1,361,484.19 (unanimous)
• Approved October 5 minutes with amendment (6-0, 1 abstention)

Budget Committee

The Waldo County Budget Committee will review budget requests from various departments and agencies for the 2025 fiscal year. The meeting includes presentations from Human Resources, Emergency Management, and the Information Technology department, among others.

• Review of 2025 department and agency budget requests
• Presentation on 2025 Employee Benefits by H.R. Director Annette McLaggan
• Emergency Management Director Dale Rowley to present budget
• Information Technology Manager J-sun Bailey to present budget
• Finance Director Kari Hunt to present Finance, Audit, and Debt Service budgets

The Waldo County Budget Committee approved multiple FY2025 budget requests, including Human Resources, Employee Benefits, Emergency Management, Information Technology, and others. Notable actions included approving $2,413,060 for employee benefits, $179,042 for EMA, and $60,200 for U of M Cooperative Extension after an initial motion failed. The committee also approved $7,000 for outside agencies (WCAP and Belfast Creative Coalition) and set several budgets at $0, including Records Preservation, Debt Service, and Reserves.

• Approved 1021 Human Resources at $101,560.45 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 Employee Benefits at $2,413,060.00 (unanimous)
• Approved 1010 Emergency Management at $179,042.00 (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 for WCAP and $2,000 for Belfast Creative Coalition (unanimous)
• Approved 2005 U of M Cooperative Extension at $60,200.00 (7-1)
• Approved 1035 Information Technology at $229,548.00 (unanimous)
• Approved 1020 Commissioners at $270,957.00 (unanimous)
• Approved 2000 Interest at $231,079.34 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will review finance, facilities, and IT reports, discuss a vehicle option, and approve minutes. The meeting includes a public comment period and an executive session.

• Finance Report
• Facilities Report
• Information Technology Report
• Discussion of Enterprise Vehicle Option
• Approval of Minutes

The Waldo County Commissioners approved financial warrants for general fund and corrections expenses. They also approved a new job description for an Office Associate position and authorized the purchase of employee gift cards using ARPA funds. A decision regarding a fleet management proposal from Enterprise was tabled until the October 17, 2024, session.

• Approved $351,437.45 in general fund warrants (3-0)
• Approved $99,516.59 in corrections warrants (3-0)
• Approved Office Associate job description (3-0)
• Approved ARPA-funded employee gift cards (3-0)
• Tabled Sheriff's fleet management contract decision (3-0)
• Approved $696.00 addition to warrant for D.A. conference (3-0)
• Tabled September 19 meeting minutes (3-0)

Budget Committee

The 2025 Organizational Budget Committee will meet to review the budget process and elect a chairperson. The committee will also discuss current vacancies and schedule future meetings.

• Election of 2025 Budget Committee Chairperson
• Discussion of Budget Committee vacancies
• Overview of the county budget process

The Waldo County Budget Committee held an organizational meeting, unanimously electing Bob Kurek as chair for 2025. Members set the FY2025 budget meeting schedule, including a public hearing on November 6, 2024, and discussed budget impacts, including a $15,330 increase for the District Attorney's office and a rise in inmate boarding costs at Two Bridges Correctional Center from $853,000 to $1,300,000. No final budget decisions were made.

• Elected Bob Kurek as Budget Committee Chairman for 2025 (unanimous)
• Set FY2025 budget meeting schedule: Oct 5, Oct 16, Oct 26, and public hearing Nov 6
• Decided committee members will review budget independently and give departments advance notice of meeting times

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will review financial reports, approve minutes, and discuss a generator purchase for the Emergency Management Agency. The session includes a presentation from the Sheriff's Office regarding fleet management and two executive sessions.

• Generator Purchase discussion
• Sheriff's Office fleet management presentation
• Finance Report
• Human Resources Report
• Executive Sessions

The Waldo County Commissioners approved multiple financial warrants totaling $313,467.23 for general fund and $250,757.10 for corrections, hired two new sheriff's deputies, and approved a $35,400 generator purchase. They also moved $22,000 between reserve funds, paid a $12,062 training reimbursement to Knox County, and approved a temporary $70/hour detail rate for deputies working the MOFGA Common Ground Fair.

• Approved $313,467.23 in general fund warrants and payroll (unanimous)
• Approved $250,757.10 in corrections warrants and payroll (unanimous)
• Moved $22,000 from Future Technology Upgrade Reserve to Technology Reserve (unanimous)
• Paid $12,062 training reimbursement to Knox County from Severance Reserve (unanimous)
• Approved Deputy Brad Hanson as Detective at $34.80/hour (unanimous)
• Approved Jeremy Bell as Patrol Deputy at $32.18/hour (unanimous)
• Approved $70/hour detail rate for MOFGA fair deputies, up from $50 contract rate (unanimous)
• Approved $35,400 trailer-mounted generator purchase from EMA Equipment Reserve (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet to review regular and reserve warrants, as well as corrections/reentry finance reports. The session includes reports from the Finance Director and Facilities Manager and an awards presentation from the Communications Director. The meeting concludes with an executive session to discuss non-public information.

• Review of County Regular, Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry warrants and vouchers
• Finance Report by Kari Hunt
• Facilities Report by Christopher Bryant
• Communications Center Awards Presentation by Michael Larrivee
• Executive Session regarding non-public information per MRSA 1§405(6)(F)

The Waldo County Commissioners approved a corrected 2025 jail budget totaling $4,317,120.33, reflecting an 18.66% increase due to added Tax Anticipation Note interest. They also unanimously approved reassigning $114,663.32 back into ARPA and establishing a Medical Health ARPA project, and moved $314,402.22 from Community Corrections Act funds to reimburse Volunteers of America and Maine Pretrial, creating a new MCRRC Revitalization Fund. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved 2025 jail budget correction of $4,317,120.33 (unanimous)
• Reassigned $114,663.32 back into ARPA and established Medical Health ARPA project (unanimous)
• Moved $314,402.22 from Community Corrections Act funds: $229,500 to Volunteers of America, $84,902.22 to Maine Pretrial, created MCRRC Revitalization Fund (unanimous)
• Authorized MCRRC/Corrections warrant of $107,987.64 (unanimous)
• Authorized General Fund warrant of $485,468.72 (unanimous)
• Approved April 29, 2024 court minutes as presented (unanimous)
• Instructed IT Director to keep Motorola Summit funds separate in budget (unanimous)
• Held executive session; no action taken (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are meeting for a special session consisting of three executive sessions. These sessions cover the discussion of duties, a labor proposal from the Communications Association, and non-public information.

• Executive session regarding the Communications Association Labor Proposal
• Executive session for discussion of duties per MRSA Title 1§405(6)(A)
• Executive session for discussion of non-public information per MRSA Title 1§405(6)(F)

The Waldo County Commissioners unanimously approved the 2024-2026 Communications Association M.A.P. contract, signed the Meritain Health administrative services renewal, and accepted a conditional job offer for a dispatcher trainee. They also approved minutes from May and July sessions and held executive sessions, with no action taken in the final one.

• Approved 2024-2026 Communications Association M.A.P. Contract (unanimous)
• Signed 2024 Renewal Amendment to Administrative Services Agreement with Meritain Health (unanimous)
• Accepted conditional offer to Teri Quappe as full-time dispatcher trainee at $20.88/hr (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from May 2 and July 18, 2024 court sessions (unanimous)
• Held executive sessions; no action taken in final session

County Commissioners

The Commissioners are meeting to review 2025 budget requests from various county departments and agencies. The session includes reports from the Finance and Human Resources directors and individual budget presentations from county officials.

• Review of 2025 budget requests for the Sheriff's Budget and Jail Budget
• Review of 2025 budget requests for the District Attorney's Office
• Review of 2025 budget requests for the Emergency Management Agency
• Review of 2025 budget requests for Waldo Community Action Partners and Belfast Creative Coalition
• Review of 2025 Employee Benefits Budget

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will hold a special session on August 8, 2024, to discuss duties with legal counsel. The meeting will include an executive session followed by an adjournment.

• Executive session for consultation with legal counsel
• Discussion of duties as a body per MRSA Title 1§405(6)(E)

The Waldo County Commissioners voted 2-1 to grant the property tax abatement appeal of Peace Ridge Sanctuary, ordering the Town of Freedom to abate the full $257,930 assessment, refund 2023 taxes with interest, and award costs. Commissioner Amy R. Fowler opposed, citing concerns about the burden on local taxpayers and whether the sanctuary qualifies for benevolent status. The vote rescinded a prior denial from August 1, 2024.

• Rescinded August 1, 2024 denial of Peace Ridge Sanctuary abatement appeal (unanimous)
• Granted Peace Ridge Sanctuary appeal, abating full $257,930 assessment (2-1)
• Ordered Town of Freedom to refund 2023 taxes with statutory interest (2-1)
• Awarded costs to Peace Ridge Sanctuary (2-1)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will review financial and human resources reports, discuss a Motorola body camera contract with the Sheriff's Department, and hold a public hearing on a tax abatement request.

• Discussion of Motorola body camera contract
• Tax Abatement Hearing #384 Peace Ridge Sanctuary vs. Town of Freedom
• Finance, HR, and Facilities reports
• Presentation of Awards
• Executive Session for non-public information

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will receive reports from the Finance Director, HR Director, and Facilities Manager. The meeting includes three scheduled executive sessions to discuss personnel and non-public information.

• Finance Report by Kari Hunt
• Human Resources Report by Annette McLaggan
• Facilities Report by Chris Bryant
• Approval of June 20, 2024 minutes
• Three executive sessions for personnel and non-public information

The board authorized General Fund and Reentry warrants totaling $451,621.02. They decided to split the 1% Maine Paid Family Medical Leave Act cost 50/50 between employer and employee and denied COLA increases for stipend positions.

• Approved General Fund warrants for $314,091.58 (Unanimous)
• Approved Reentry warrants for $137,529.44 (Unanimous)
• Approved 50/50 employer-employee split for 1% Medical Leave Act cost (Unanimous)
• Denied COLA increases for stipend positions (Unanimous)
• Approved updated job descriptions for Registry of Deeds positions (Unanimous)
• Approved June 20, 2024 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Directed increase of Judge of Probate's 2025 Budget pay to $40,000.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved returning Office Assistant position to Commissioners Office (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will review warrants and vouchers for the county and corrections/reentry. The meeting includes updates from the finance, human resources, and facilities directors. An executive session is also scheduled to discuss a personnel matter.

• Finance Report by Kari Hunt
• Human Resources Report by Annette McLaggan
• Facilities Report by Chris Bryant
• Review of warrants and vouchers for County Regular, Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry
• Executive Session regarding a personnel matter

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will review finance, human resources, and facilities reports. The meeting also includes obtaining signatures for the County Long Term Recovery Plan.

• Obtaining signatures for the County Long Term Recovery Plan
• Executive session for discussion of real estate
• Approval of May 16, 2024, court session minutes

The Commissioners unanimously approved an updated travel policy and accepted the finance report, which detailed a $55,000 three-year audit cost. They authorized payment of June payroll and accounts payable warrants totaling over $324,000 across the General Fund and Jail. The board decided to keep offices open on July 5th, rejecting a proposed holiday, and deferred a decision on a property tax abatement application until July 3.

• Approved updated travel policy (Unanimous)
• Accepted finance report (Unanimous)
• Authorized June 20 Reentry warrants totaling $115,453.59 (Unanimous)
• Authorized June 20 General Fund warrants totaling $208,982.16 (Unanimous)
• Decided July 5, 2024 is a regular workday; no motion required
• Agreed not to pay unrequested SOVOS invoices
• Deferred decision on Peace Ridge Sanctuary tax abatement to July 3 meeting
• Approved May 16, 2024 minutes (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The meeting includes a 2025 County Budget Caucus involving commissioners, selectboard members, and budget committee members. The agenda also features finance and human resources reports, as well as the review of warrants and vouchers for county and corrections funds. Two executive sessions are scheduled to discuss non-public information and personnel matters.

• 2025 County Budget Caucus
• Finance Report from Finance Director Kari Hunt
• Human Resources Report from HR Director Annette McLaggan
• Review of warrants/vouchers for Regular, Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry
• Approval of minutes from the April 3, 2024 session

Commissioners approved the reallocation of ARPA funds to a new jail operations category and authorized over $630,000 in payroll and accounts payable. The board also denied a rehire request for a former correctional officer and approved the hire of a part-time victim witness advocate.

• Reallocated ARPA funds to new Jail Operations category (Unanimous)
• Denied rehire request of former employee #2045 as part-time correctional officer (Unanimous)
• Approved hire of Amanda Stover as part-time victim witness advocate at $23.02/hr (Unanimous)
• Authorized $468,487.38 for General Fund payroll and accounts payable (Unanimous)
• Authorized $161,939.25 for Reentry payroll and accounts payable (Unanimous)
• Approved $8,000.00 BLETP reimbursement deposit into Severance account (Unanimous)
• Approved $23,459.62 risk management check deposit into Emergency Vehicle Fund 0264 (Unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Elmer Sweetland as part-time corrections officer (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are holding a special session to review warrants, vouchers, and finance reports. The meeting includes discussions on financial records, personnel, and jail configuration costs.

• Discussion of jail configuration and associated costs
• Review of warrants, vouchers, and finance report
• Executive session regarding non-public financial records
• Executive session regarding a personnel matter
• Executive session with the Sheriff regarding jail configuration

The Waldo County Commissioners met in a special session on May 23, 2024, to hold three executive sessions concerning non-public financial records, a personnel matter, and non-public jail records. No formal decisions or actions were taken during the meeting, and any decisions will be made at the next court session.

• Went into executive session for non-public financial records at 9:01 a.m. and exited at 10:00 a.m. with no action taken
• Went into executive session for a personnel matter at 10:01 a.m. and exited at 10:10 a.m. with no action taken
• Went into executive session for non-public jail records at 10:10 a.m. and exited at 11:41 a.m. with no action taken
• Adjourned the meeting at 11:41 a.m.

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will receive reports from Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, and IT. The body will also address a signature for a YMCA shelter agreement and hold two executive sessions.

• Review of Regular and Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry warrants/vouchers
• Signature for YMCA shelter agreement for Dale Rowley
• Presentation of Appreciation Certificate to Knox County Communications Center
• Executive session for non-public information per MRSA Title 1 §405 (6)(F)
• Executive session for personnel matters per MRSA Title 1 §405 (6)(A)

The Waldo County Commissioners approved a $55,000 maximum upgrade of five Zetron radio consoles using ARPA funds, and signed a contract to audit fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023 at $13,500 per year plus $5,000 per year for ARPA audits, totaling $55,500. They also adopted a returned check policy, approved a Positive Pay plan, authorized payment of General Fund and Reentry warrants, and denied a property tax abatement request for 1089 Deep Cove Lane, Islesboro. A special session was set for May 23 to review ARPA fund transfers to the Jail and reserves. In executive session, commissioners recommended hiring a temporary part-time victim witness advocate and directed recruitment of a permanent full-time advocate.

• Betty Johnson nominated as Chairman (unanimous)
• Accepted Financial Report (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of General Fund warrant: $171,375.70 payroll + $407,425.36 accounts payable = $578,801.06 (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of Reentry warrant: $46,700.89 payroll + $121,294.84 accounts payable = $167,995.73 (unanimous)
• Adopted Waldo County issued and returned check policy (unanimous)
• Signed contract to audit years 2021, 2022, 2023 at $13,500/year plus $5,000/year ARPA audit, total $55,500 (unanimous)
• Approved Positive Pay plan (unanimous)
• Approved upgrade of five Zetron radio consoles at $55,000 maximum from Communication Upgrades ARPA line (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will receive reports from the Finance, Human Resources, and Facilities directors. EMA Director Dale Rowley will discuss emergency plans. The meeting includes two executive sessions for non-public information.

• Review of Regular and Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry warrants/vouchers
• EMA discussion regarding emergency plans
• Two executive sessions for non-public information per MRSA Title 1 §405 (6)(F)

The Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding for the District Attorney's office lease and authorized payments totaling $439,991.48 for general and corrections funds. The board also voted to suspend all employee wellness program reimbursements and approved updated emergency operations plans.

• Approved MOU for Judicial Courthouse Lease (Unanimous)
• Authorized $337,711.43 for General Fund accounts payable and payroll (Unanimous)
• Authorized $102,280.05 for MCRRC/Corrections accounts payable and payroll (Unanimous)
• Suspended all wellness program reimbursements (Unanimous)
• Approved updated Emergency Operations, Continuity of Operations, and IPAWS plans (Unanimous)
• Authorized printing 'Void after 90 Days' on County checks and drafting a check return policy (Unanimous)
• Approved promotion of Beau Seekins to Corporal at $27.92 per hour (Unanimous)
• Accepted 2024 COBRA rates for medical, Rx, and vision (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet for a special session consisting of two executive sessions. The first session concerns legal rights and duties, and the second involves discussion of non-public information.

• Executive Session: Consultation concerning legal rights and duties
• Executive Session: Discussion of non-public information

The Commissioners authorized the use of their signature stamps for a Congressionally Delegated Spending grant letter of support to upgrade law enforcement technology from Mobil Solutions, pending the addition of the request amount. The board also directed the H.R. Director to notify a grievant of an upcoming meeting.

• Authorized signature stamps for Mobil Solutions technology grant letter pending inclusion of request amount
• Directed H.R. Director to notify grievant of meeting timeframe (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners will review finance reports, facilities updates, and EMA construction projects. The agenda includes discussions regarding the District Attorney's office relocation and two executive sessions.

• Finance Report by Kari Hunt
• Facilities Report by Chris Bryant
• EMA Construction Projects report
• DA’s Office Relocation discussion
• Spirit of American Foundation Tribute Ceremony

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will receive reports from finance, human resources, facilities, and IT departments. The meeting includes an update on the District Attorney's office move and an executive session for non-public information.

• Review of Regular and Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry warrants/vouchers
• Update on DA’s Office Move by Prosecutorial Asst. Eric Harvey
• Executive Session for discussion of non-public information per MRSA Title 1§405 (6)(F)

The Commissioners authorized payroll and accounts payable warrants totaling $600,000 for the General Fund and Jail. They approved the hiring of a full-time Patrol Deputy and locked in a propane fuel price. The board also decided not to hold a hearing on a tax abatement application for the Town of Islesboro.

• Approved Jail Fund warrants for payroll and accounts payable totaling $297,052.22 (Unanimous)
• Approved General Fund warrants for payroll and accounts payable totaling $302,683.16 (Unanimous)
• Approved hiring Brad Hanson as full-time Patrol Deputy at $33.14 per hour effective April 16, 2024
• Approved locking in propane fuel price at $1.73 per gallon with Maritime Energy
• Approved budget cover sheet changes to reflect revenue and reimbursement from contract services
• Approved minutes for sessions dated 2/2/23 through 2/15/24
• Denied holding a hearing on a tax abatement application for Losee vs. Town of Islesboro
• Approved continuing the employment of Laurel Kragh for the District Attorney's file purging project

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will receive operational reports from facilities, IT, EMA, finance, and human resources. The meeting includes an update on the District Attorney's office move and three scheduled executive sessions to discuss non-public information.

• EMA Construction Projects Report
• Update on the District Attorney's office move
• Review of County Regular, Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry warrants
• Three executive sessions under MSRA Title 1 §405 (6)(F)

The Commissioners adopted a new travel policy effective April 1, 2024, and authorized several large payment warrants. They also approved a $4,000 purchase for Lt. Cody Laite and updated the employee mileage reimbursement rate to match the IRS rate of .67 cents per mile.

• Approved new Travel Policy effective April 1, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Authorized $484,401.02 for General Fund and Reserve accounts payable and payroll (Unanimous)
• Authorized $234,265.00 for MCRRC/Corrections accounts payable and payroll (Unanimous)
• Approved $4,000.00 check for Lt. Cody Laite (Unanimous)
• Updated mileage reimbursement rate to IRS rate of .67 cents per mile
• Reaffirmed use of reserve account 0223 to pay P/T employee at DA's Office (Unanimous)
• Approved DA's Office move date for April 15-17
• Approved Facilities Technician to repair electrical outlet at U. of M. Cooperative building

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet to review warrants, vouchers, and finance reports. The session includes departmental reports from finance, human resources, facilities, and IT.

• Review of County Regular & Reserve and Corrections/Reentry warrants/vouchers
• Finance Report presented by Kari Hunt
• Human Resources Report presented by Annette McLaggan
• Facilities Report presented by Chris Bryant
• IT Report presented by J-sun Bailey

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are meeting for a special session to review financial reports and hold an executive session. The executive session involves the discussion of non-public information permitted by MRSA Title 1§(6)(F).

• Review of warrants, vouchers, and finance report
• Executive session regarding non-public information

The Commissioners approved a contract with Horch Roofing, Inc. to re-shingle the Old Jail Archive. The board also held three separate executive sessions, though no action was taken during those sessions.

• Approved hiring Horch Roofing, Inc. for $16,432.00 to re-shingle Old Jail Archive roof (Unanimous)
• Approved immediate payment of 20% deposit from Reserve Acct 0248 (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will review reports from finance, human resources, facilities, and IT departments. The meeting includes a discussion regarding the District Attorney's office move and a contract with Knox County.

• Discussion of contract with Knox County
• Update on the District Attorney's office move
• Review of County Regular, Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry Regular Warrants

The Commissioners approved the 2024 tax assessments and mil rate. They extended a 911 emergency call contract with Knox County for three months and awarded a roof contract for the Old Jail Archive. The board also authorized hiring a part-time employee to scan District Attorney files.

• Accepted 2024 mil rate of .001708437 and tax assessments (Unanimous)
• Extended 911 calls contract with Knox County for three months (Unanimous)
• Awarded $16,465.00 bid to Horch Roofing for Old Jail Archive roof (Unanimous)
• Authorized hiring part-time scanner for DA files at $20/hr for up to 6 weeks (Unanimous)
• Approved $44,000.00 Homeland Security Grant for remote dispatch equipment (Unanimous)
• Authorized $201,340.93 warrant for MCRRC/Corrections payables and payroll (Unanimous)
• Authorized $511,729.26 warrant for General Fund and Reserve payables and payroll (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from six 2023 court sessions (Unanimous)

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee approved a budget increase of $290,272.15. The committee also voted to increase the tax cap by an additional .73%.

• Approved budget increase of $290,272.15 (unanimous)
• Approved tax cap increase of .73% (unanimous)

General

The Waldo County Budget Committee met on February 5, 2024 for an information-only session; no vote was taken and the committee will reconvene February 8, 2024 to vote. Discussion centered on a budget error in which Jail revenue was deducted twice, leaving a $580,544.30 gap. Commissioner William D. Shorey proposed covering it with $128,000.00 from County Savings, $120,000.00 from the Technology Reserve, and $108,000.00 from Opioid funds, but committee members did not feel using Opioid funds would be practical. The only action taken was a unanimous vote to adjourn at 7:06 p.m.

• No budget vote taken; meeting was information only
• Adjourned unanimously at 7:06 p.m. (Kurek moved, Parker seconded)
• Committee to reconvene February 8, 2024 for a vote
• No decision on Shorey's proposed funding mix for the $580,544.30 gap

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will receive reports from finance, human resources, facilities, IT, and the communications center. The meeting includes a discussion on solar tax credits for solar projects and two executive sessions.

• Solar tax credit on solar projects discussion
• Review of Regular and Reserve and Corrections/Reentry warrants/vouchers
• Executive session for personnel matter (MSRA Title 1 §405 (6)(A))
• Executive session for non-public information (MSRA Title 1 §405 (6)(F))

The board authorized payments for general fund, payroll, and corrections accounts. They approved a retroactive salary increase for the EMA Deputy Director and authorized hiring a tax preparer for solar credits. A motion to transfer $336,000 to the Jail General Fund failed.

• Approved General Fund and payroll payments of $355,217.86 (Unanimous)
• Approved MCRRC/Corrections payments of $134,602.33 (Unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Patrol Deputy Brooke Harthorn effective Feb 10, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Approved Registry of Deeds Records Disposition (Unanimous)
• Authorized EMA Director to hire a tax preparer for solar credits (Unanimous)
• Denied transfer of $336,000 from savings and reserves to Jail General Fund (1-2)
• Approved EMA Deputy Director salary increase to $55,744.00 retroactive to Jan 1, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Accepted and filed the Financial Report (Unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will receive reports from the Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, and IT departments. The meeting includes a scheduled executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

• Review of Regular and Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry warrants and vouchers
• Finance Report from Director Kari Hunt
• Human Resources Report from Director Annette McLaggan
• Facilities Report from Manager Chris Bryant
• IT Report from Manager J-sun Bailey

The Waldo County Commissioners approved four warrants totaling $813,273.08, including final 2023 bills and current 2024 accounts payable and payroll. They also approved a $950 clothing allowance for five sheriff and jail positions and a $425 allowance for the Garden Manager, and set the Finance Director's salary at $66,078.87. Commissioners ended sign-on bonuses for all departments effective 1/1/24 and accepted Mack Page as a full-time corrections officer. An executive session on a personnel matter was held with no action taken.

• Approved final 2023 Re-Entry accounts payable warrant of $50,664.25 (unanimous)
• Approved final 2023 General Fund accounts payable warrant of $106,437.47 (unanimous)
• Approved January 18, 2024 Reentry warrant of $229,849.27 including $48,637.33 payroll, total $278,486.60 (unanimous)
• Approved January 18, 2024 General Fund warrant of $296,510.72 including $188,275.76 payroll, total $484,786.48 (unanimous)
• Approved $950 clothing allowance for Jail Administrator, Detention Manager, Sheriff, Chief Deputy and Lieutenant (unanimous)
• Approved $425 clothing allowance from CCA funds for Garden Manager (unanimous)
• Approved Finance Director salary adjustment to $66,078.87 effective 1/28/24 (unanimous)
• Ended sign-on bonuses for all Waldo County departments effective 1/1/24 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will review departmental reports and discuss 2024 vehicle pricing for the Sheriff's Department. The meeting includes three executive sessions to discuss a union contract and personnel matters.

• 2024 Vehicle Pricing for the Sheriff's Department
• December Storm and Construction Projects report from EMA Director Dale Rowley
• Executive Session regarding Union Contract
• Two Executive Sessions regarding Personnel Matters

Commissioners authorized the purchase of four Chevy Tahoes for the Sheriff's Office and approved a $324,978.12 projected IT expenditure. The board also signed a new phone contract and a union contract. A request for non-union employee clothing allowances was held for further review.

• Approved purchase of four Chevy Tahoes for $170,266.00 (Unanimous)
• Approved projected IT expenditures of $324,978.12 (Unanimous)
• Approved new phone service contract (Unanimous)
• Signed Union Contract (Unanimous)
• Authorized $93,526 for Reentry Accounts Payable and payroll (Unanimous)
• Authorized $315,363.72 for General Fund Accounts Payable and payroll (Unanimous)
• Approved destruction of records per retention schedule (Unanimous)
• Tabled non-union employee clothing allowances for further review