Waldo County public meetings in 2025

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners are meeting to discuss a proposed change to the pay period for 2026. The body will review and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the AFSCME Council 93 General Government Unit regarding this change.

• Proposed pay period change for 2026
• MOU with AFSCME Council 93 General Government Unit regarding 2026 pay period

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will hold a special session to review and sign a Memorandum of Understanding regarding a proposed change to the 2026 pay period. The meeting will also address miscellaneous year-end business.

• Review and sign MOU with AFSCME Council 93 re: 2026 Pay Period Change
• Explanation of Proposed Pay Period Change for 2026
• Miscellaneous Year End Business as Needed

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will hold a special court session to discuss ideas for the 2026 budget. The meeting will take place in person at the Courtroom on 39B Spring Street in Belfast and via Zoom.

• Discuss 2026 Budget Ideas
• Special Court Session
• In-person and Zoom meeting options

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are holding a special court session. The primary purpose of the meeting is to vote on entering an executive session to discuss personnel assignments and duties.

• Vote to enter executive session for personnel assignments and duties per M.R.S. Title 1§405(6)(A)

The commissioners approved the December 4, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. They rescinded a prior motion naming Betty Johnson as the county’s MCCA representative and then unanimously nominated Kevin Kelley to serve on the MCCA Board with Johnson as proxy. Two executive‑session motions were entered for personnel discussions, and the meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m.

• Approved December 4, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Rescinded prior MCCA representation motion (unanimous)
• Nominated Kevin Kelley to MCCA Board, Betty Johnson as proxy (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 10:05 a.m. to discuss personnel assignments (no vote recorded)
• Entered executive session at 10:19 a.m. to discuss assignments (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:10 a.m. (no vote recorded)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will meet to review warrants for the county, jail, and opioid funds. The board will discuss a five-year inmate boarding contract with Somerset County and pay structures for part-time corrections officers.

• Five-year Inmate Boarding Contract with Somerset County
• Pay Structure for Part-time Corrections Officers
• Appointment of Commissioner Representatives for MCCA Board of Directors and MCCA Risk Pool Board
• Proposed Wage Study through MCOG
• Executive Session for a personnel matter under MRS Title 1§405(6)(A)

Commissioners added a vote for the 2026 Chair to the agenda and removed discussion of the five‑year inmate boarding contract with Somerset County. They approved the September, October and November 2025 minutes with edits, accepted the $5.5 million tax anticipation note proposal at a 5.22% rate, and authorized several warrants totaling $521,365.31. The board also elected Betty Johnson as the 2026 Chair, set the January 2026 court schedule to the 2nd and 4th Thursdays, scheduled a property‑tax appeal hearing for Jan 8 2025, and adopted the new “Rave Alerts” weather‑alert software.

• Added vote for 2026 Chair to agenda and removed inmate boarding contract discussion (unanimous)
• Approved September 25, 2025 minutes with edits (unanimous)
• Approved October 2, 2025 minutes with edits (unanimous)
• Approved November 20, 2025 minutes with edits (unanimous)
• Approved $5.5 M tax anticipation note proposal at 5.22% interest, $280,807.40 total (unanimous)
• Approved MCRRC warrant $105,052.79 (unanimous)
• Approved County warrant $416,312.52 (unanimous)
• Elected Betty Johnson as 2026 Commissioner Chair (unanimous)

Budget Committee

The Waldo County Budget Committee will review minutes and revisit the health insurance budget line before voting on all departmental/agency budgets for the proposed FY2026 budget. This meeting serves as the public hearing and final budget committee meeting.

• Review minutes from previous meeting
• Revisit Health Insurance Budget Line
• Vote on all departmental/agency budgets for FY2026
• Public Hearing/Final Budget Committee Meeting
• Meeting held at 39B Spring Street, Belfast

The Waldo County Budget Committee voted to adopt the FY2026 budget for both the county and the jail, with a grand total of $17,414,019.25. Specific line items such as the sheriff’s budget, IT budget, employee benefits, and reserves were approved, some with recorded dissent. The committee also reduced the health‑insurance claims overage by $300,000, bringing the total health‑insurance cost to $4,398,890.00.

• Approved EMA budget $195,732.45 (unanimous)
• Approved Sheriff's budget $2,900,825.00 (unanimous)
• Approved IT budget $878,484.00 (2 opposed, 7 in favor)
• Approved Special Appropriations $12,500.00 (1 opposed, 8 in favor)
• Approved Employee Benefits $5,439,889.56 (unanimous)
• Approved Reserves $386,000.00 (unanimous)
• Approved Interest $175,000.00 (unanimous)
• Approved Grand Total county and jail budget $17,414,019.25 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet to consider the approval of a consent agenda and review financial warrants. The session includes a scheduled executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

• MCRCC (Jail) Warrant 11/20/2025
• County Warrant 11/20/2025
• Executive Session for a personnel matter per MRS Title 1§405(6)(A)
• Review of pay step increases

The commissioners unanimously approved paying the Tax Anticipation Note balance of $4,080,025.88. They also approved the jail and county payroll warrants and confirmed zero spending on the opioid warrant. Additional unanimous actions included appointing members to the Opioid Standing Committee, accepting a vendor letter, and approving a conditional hire for an administrative assistant.

• Approved $4,080,025.88 Tax Anticipation Note payoff (unanimous)
• Approved payment of MCRCC (jail) warrant $252,451.88 and payroll $50,993.73 (total $303,445.61) (unanimous)
• Approved payment of County warrant $291,863.48 and payroll $197,439.00 (total $489,302.48) (unanimous)
• Approved zero dollars for the Opioid warrant (unanimous)
• Approved OPIOID Standing Committee members (Matt Magnusson, Nick Cullen, Tia Poulin, Norman Hightower, Ruth Fethke, John Fitzgerald, Mara Gallagher) (unanimous)
• Approved vendor letter to remove former Finance Director Karen Trussell’s name (unanimous)
• Approved conditional offer for Administrative Assistant Kayci Faulkingham pending background check (unanimous)
• Approved revision to the Office Associate job description (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are meeting for a special session. The agenda consists of votes to enter executive sessions to discuss personnel assignments and other non-public information.

• Executive session for non-public personnel assignments and duties
• Executive session for non-public information

The board held three executive‑session motions to discuss non‑public personnel matters, each approved (two noted as unanimous). The session resumed publicly twice with no actions taken, and the commissioners adjourned at 1:26 p.m. No substantive public decisions were made.

• Entered executive session at 10:00 a.m.; unanimous approval
• Entered executive session at 11:20 a.m.; unanimous approval
• Entered executive session at 12:41 p.m.; vote not recorded
• Adjourned the meeting at 1:26 p.m.; motion carried

Budget Committee

The Waldo County Budget Committee will convene on November 8, 2025, to review the 2026 budget. The session includes public discussions on the Jail, Sheriff's Office, and Information Technology departments.

• Review of 2026 Waldo County Budget Committee meeting agenda
• Discussion on Jail operations
• Discussion on Sheriff's Office operations
• Discussion on Information Technology operations

The Budget Committee approved the October 24‑25 meeting minutes with a 7‑0 vote and two abstentions. A motion to cut the VOA line by $42,000 failed 4‑5. The committee enacted reductions to the full‑time line, Community Liaison budget, inmate boarding budget, and capital outlay.

• Approved October 24‑25 meeting minutes (7 in favor, 2 abstained)
• Motion to reduce VOA line by $42,000 failed (4 in favor, 5 against)
• Reduced Full‑time line to $1,458.911
• Reduced Community Liaison budget to $95,000.00
• Reduced Inmate Boarding budget to $1,900,000.00
• Reduced Capital Outlay to $38,910.00

County Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved two large financial warrants: a $584,424.10 County Accounts Payable and Reserve warrant and a $358,638.44 MCRRC (jail) warrant. They also approved up to $400 for repairs to a 5‑kw generator at the EMA facility, accepted a $2,604.21 asset forfeiture and a 9 mm handgun, and authorized a cyber‑insurance application with Cowbell. Promotions were confirmed for Felicia Gray and Camryn Page, and the October 17 special session minutes were adopted.

• Approved County Accounts Payable and Reserve warrant $584,424.10 (unanimous)
• Approved MCRRC (jail) warrant $358,638.44 (unanimous)
• Approved up to $400 for EMA generator repairs (unanimous)
• Accepted $2,604.21 asset forfeiture and 9 mm handgun (unanimous)
• Authorized submission of Cowbell cyber‑insurance application (unanimous)
• Approved promotion of Felicia Gray to Deputy Prosecutorial Assistant (unanimous)
• Approved Camryn Page as permanent full‑time Corrections Officer at $23.94/hr (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from the October 17, 2025 Special Court Session (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The special session began at 9:00 a.m. and moved into executive session to discuss non‑public information about changing to a fiscal‑year budget. After returning to public session, the commissioners voted unanimously not to continue with an 18‑month budget and instructed the clerk to email the budget committee. The meeting was adjourned at 9:32 a.m.

• Not to continue with an 18‑month budget (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will meet to vote on entering executive sessions to discuss non-public information regarding employment benefits and to review non-public information. The meeting will be held in person at the Belfast courthouse and via Zoom.

• Vote to enter executive session for employment benefits discussion
• Vote to enter executive session for reviewing non-public information
• Meeting location: 39B Spring Street, Belfast
• Meeting format: In-person and Zoom teleconferencing

The commissioners unanimously voted to enter an executive session to discuss non‑public employment‑benefits information. They also unanimously approved sending a $36,886 check to Knox County for housing Waldo County inmates and approved submitting an application to Chubb Cyber Enterprise Risk Management to obtain multiple cyber‑insurance quotes. A second motion to enter executive session for reviewing other non‑public information was made, but the minutes do not record its vote outcome.

• Approved executive session on employment benefits (unanimous)
• Approved $36,886 payment to Knox County for inmate housing (unanimous)
• Approved application to Chubb for cyber‑insurance quotes (unanimous)

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee is meeting to discuss budget requirements for various county departments and partners. The session includes scheduled time for specific agencies and administrative functions to present their needs.

• Waldo Community Action Partners budget discussion
• Waldo County Firefighters Association budget discussion
• District Attorney budget discussion
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension budget discussion
• Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District budget discussion

The Budget Committee approved a reduction of the Commissioners’ office‑supply line from $3,000 to $2,000. Budget requests from Waldo Community Action Partners, the District Attorney’s office, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and the Soil and Water Conservation District were each left unchanged. No other budget adjustments were recorded.

• Commissioners office‑supply line reduced from $3,000 to $2,000
• Waldo Community Action Partners budget request unchanged
• District Attorney budget unchanged
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension budget unchanged
• Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District budget unchanged

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee is meeting to review the facilities budget for 2026-27. The session includes a review of previous minutes.

• Facilities Budget Review

The Waldo County Budget Committee approved a series of reductions to the facilities management budget, totaling $32,034.75, including cuts to mileage, meals, electricity, water/sewer, and other line items. The committee also approved the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. Upcoming review sessions were scheduled for Oct 25 and Nov 8, and a public hearing will be set for a later date.

• Approved October 9, 2025 Budget Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Reduced mileage allowance to $100 for 12 months and $50 for 6 months
• Reduced meals allowance to $150 for 12 months and $75 for 6 months
• Adjusted electricity line items (e.g., Commiss Ct $5,800/12 mo, EMA increased $650/12 mo)
• Reduced water/sewer allocations for Sheriff ($1,850/12 mo) and Dispatch ($1,600/12 mo)
• Reduced postage budget to $0
• Total facilities budget reduction approved at $32,034.75
• Scheduled review meetings Oct 25 (9 am‑4 pm) and Nov 8 (9 am‑1 pm); public hearing date to be set later

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners are holding a special court session. The meeting is scheduled to include an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

• Executive session for a personnel matter per MRS Title 1§401(6)(A)

The board voted unanimously to enter an executive session at 10:00 a.m. for a personnel hearing. After returning to the public session at 10:59 a.m., no further action was taken. The commissioners then adjourned the meeting.

• Executive session for personnel hearing approved (unanimous)
• No action taken after public session resumed
• Meeting adjourned (motion passed)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet to review the Finance Report and approve the MCRCC (Jail) and County warrants for October 16, 2025. The session includes an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

• MCRCC (Jail) Warrant 10/16/2025
• County Warrant 10/16/2025
• Executive Session for a personnel matter per MRS Title 1§401(6)(A)

The court session added time for three motions after the consent agenda and approved the agenda unanimously. Commissioners transferred $199,023.14 from the General Fund to the Opioid Fund and approved several payment warrants totaling $620,165.42. Additional actions included approving a $2,200 lighting contract for the courthouse and a $600 integration fee for payroll software. All motions were adopted unanimously except one $5,000 transfer approved by two votes with a recusal.

• Approved $199,023.14 transfer from General Fund to Opioid Fund (unanimous)
• Approved $100.00 transfer from Opioid Fund to General Fund (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000.00 Belfast Creative Coalition transfer (2-0, 1 recused)
• Approved $133,704.88 MCRRC warrant and $486,460.54 County Accounts Payable warrant (unanimous)
• Approved $2,200.00 lighting contract for Probate/Commissioners Courthouse (unanimous)
• Approved $600.00 integration fee for Employee Navigator payroll add‑on (unanimous)
• Approved revised Administrative Criminal Analyst job description (unanimous)
• Approved verification of medical provider licenses for Corrections contract (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The meeting consists of procedural items and two scheduled executive sessions to discuss non-public information. No other specific business items are listed on the agenda.

The commissioners entered executive sessions twice to discuss non‑public information under MRS Title 1§405(6)(F) and §405(6)(A). They recessed the meeting at 11:45 a.m. and adjourned at 1:47 p.m. No substantive decisions or approvals were taken.

• Executive session at 10:20 a.m. approved (unanimous)
• Recess at 11:45 a.m. motion made; no vote recorded
• Executive session at 1:00 p.m. motion made; outcome not recorded
• Adjournment at 1:47 p.m. motion made; no vote recorded

Budget Committee

The committee unanimously approved the amended minutes from the October 4, 2025 meeting. It then reduced several budget items for FY 2026‑27, including equipment repairs, office supplies, travel, meals, and vehicle fuel across the Registry of Deeds, Registry of Probate, and Communications departments. The telephone budget line was removed from the Registry of Deeds and moved to the Information Technology budget. Future committee meeting dates and times were also adjusted.

• Approved October 4, 2025 minutes as amended (unanimous vote)
• Reduced Registry of Deeds Equipment Repairs/Maint to $3,300 (12 mo) and $2,100 (6 mo)
• Reduced Registry of Deeds Office Supplies to $3,300 (12 mo) and $1,625 (6 mo)
• Removed Telephone line from Registry of Deeds budget (moved to IT budget)
• Reduced Registry of Probate Travel Auto to $1,000 (12 mo) and $500 (6 mo)
• Reduced Registry of Probate Meals to $400 (12 mo) and $200 (6 mo)
• Reduced Communications Vehicle Fuel to $2,500 (12 mo) and $1,250 (6 mo)
• Adjusted future meeting schedule dates and times, cancelling the November 1 meeting

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet to approve the consent agenda and review financial warrants for the county and the MCRCC jail. The body will also consider an executive session to discuss a personnel grievance.

• MCRCC (Jail) Warrant 10/02/2025
• County Warrant 10/02/2025
• Executive Session for a personnel grievance per MRS Title 1§401(6)(A)
• Human Resources report on pay step increases

The commissioners revised the agenda to include discussion of the boiler contract and added a second executive session. They authorized payment of two warrants totaling $75,228.17 and approved new job descriptions for several county staff positions. Discussion of a new website contract was tabled until October 9, and the boiler contract was signed.

• Revised agenda to add boiler contract discussion and extra executive session (unanimous)
• Approved September 11 minutes with edits (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of MCRCC warrant $22,832.71 (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of County warrant $52,395.46 (unanimous)
• Approved job descriptions for Deputy Prosecutorial Assistant/Legal Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Legal Assistant (unanimous)
• Moved to executive session at 10:42 a.m. for personnel matter (unanimous)
• Tabled website contract discussion until Oct 9 2025 (unanimous)
• Signed boiler contract with GR Coleman Propane & Natural Gas Systems (unanimous)

County Commissioners

Commissioner Betty I. Johnson cancelled the special court session at 11:05 a.m. because the other commissioners could not be present. No other actions or votes were recorded.

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will convene a special court session to vote on entering an executive session for an employment hearing. The meeting will be held in person at the Courtroom on 39B Spring Street in Belfast and via Zoom.

• Vote to enter executive session for employment hearing
• Meeting held at 39B Spring Street, Belfast
• Teleconferencing available via Zoom

The board entered an executive session for an employment hearing, as allowed by state law. They then voted unanimously to uphold the existing termination. The meeting was adjourned shortly thereafter.

• Entered executive session for employment hearing (unanimous)
• Upheld existing termination (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Budget Committee

The committee unanimously elected Bob Kurek as Budget Committee Chairman for 2026. Commissioners’ portion of the meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:24 p.m. The committee agreed on dates and times for upcoming budget meetings. The Budget Committee meeting was adjourned unanimously at 7:31 p.m.

• Elected Bob Kurek as Budget Committee Chairman (unanimous)
• Adjourned Commissioners’ portion of meeting at 6:24 p.m. (unanimous)
• Adopted schedule for upcoming budget committee meetings (agreed)
• Adjourned Budget Committee meeting at 7:31 p.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet to review department reports and the 2026-27 Finance Budget. The body will also consider votes on asset forfeiture and the renewal of the Probate Registry contract.

• 2026-27 Finance Budget discussion
• Probate Registry Contract Renewal
• Vote to accept current and future Asset Forfeiture
• Boiler quotes for Communications Center
• Executive session on health insurance information

The court added an executive session for personnel, opioid policy and accounting matters. They approved Cross Insurance LLC as broker, several September financial warrants totaling $903,539.34, new office flooring, an amendment to the Opioid Settlement Policy, six members to the Ad‑hoc Opioid Committee, and accepted forfeiture funds of $10,148 and $1,826. All actions passed unanimously.

• Added executive session for personnel, opioid policy and accounting (unanimous)
• Approved Cross Insurance LLC as broker of record (unanimous)
• Approved MCRRC warrant $195,413.15 and payroll warrants totaling $308,314.93 (unanimous)
• Approved County accounts payable and payroll warrant totaling $595,224.41 (unanimous)
• Approved removal of carpet and installation of new flooring in County offices (unanimous)
• Amended Opioid Settlement Policy to add Section 2.4 for separate warrant (unanimous)
• Approved six candidates to the Ad‑hoc Opioid Committee (unanimous)
• Accepted forfeiture funds of $10,148 and $1,826 as presented by the Sheriff (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are holding a special session to hear budget requests for the 2026 fiscal year. Various department heads and agency representatives will present their funding needs. The board will also vote on public facing digital platforms.

• Vote on Public Facing Digital Platforms
• Budget requests for Jail and Sheriff (1050, 1075)
• Budget requests for District Attorney’s Office (1015)
• Budget requests for Finance, Audit, Debt Service, Employee Benefits, and Reserves (1025, 1090, 1095, 2025, 2045)
• Budget requests for Waldo Community Action Partners (1080-4715)

The court approved the 2026‑2027 jail budget, raising the inmate medical/dental line to $90,000 for an 18‑month period. The sheriff’s budget, the information‑technology budget (including CivicPlus and SMARSH), the Emergency Management Agency budget with recommended reductions, and the District Attorney’s budget were also approved. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved jail budget with inmate medical increase to $90,000 (unanimous)
• Approved sheriff’s budget as presented (unanimous)
• Approved information‑technology budget and selection of CivicPlus and SMARSH (unanimous)
• Approved recommended amount for the information‑technology budget for 2026‑2027 (unanimous)
• Approved Emergency Management Agency 2026‑2027 budget with reductions (unanimous)
• Approved District Attorney’s budget as presented (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners approved a $29,000 financial‑software quote from Edmunds with the vendor hosting backups. They also authorized several payments totaling $279,826.72, set the delinquent tax interest rate at 7.5%, and adopted the Opioid Settlement and Credit Card policies. The discussion on the county website redesign was tabled until October 9, 2025.

• Accepted $29,000 financial software quote (Edmunds hosting) – passed by two; K. Kelley absent
• Authorized payment of MCRCC accounts payable $54,844.48 – unanimous
• Authorized payment of County accounts payable $224,982.24 – unanimous
• Approved delinquent tax interest rate of 7.5% – unanimous
• Passed Opioid Settlement Policy as presented – unanimous
• Approved final Credit Card Policy – unanimous
• Approved payment of September 18, 2025 warrants and pre‑approval schedule – unanimous
• Tabled county website discussion until October 9, 2025 – unanimous

County Commissioners

The commissioners moved to executive session at 10:12 a.m. and again at 11:49 a.m., each motion passing unanimously. They later adjourned the meeting at 1:15 p.m. No other actions or decisions were taken.

• Entered executive session at 10:12 a.m. (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 11:49 a.m. (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 1:15 p.m. (motion adopted)

County Commissioners

The commissioners voted to adopt the 12‑month 2026 and 6‑month 2027 budget option, with five votes in favor. They rejected the alternative 6‑month 2026 and 12‑month 2027 option, which received only two votes. An agenda change motion to purchase additional financial software from Northern Data Systems was approved unanimously.

• Approved purchase of additional financial software from Northern Data Systems (unanimous)
• Approved 12‑month 2026 and 6‑month 2027 budget option (5 in favor, passed)
• Rejected 6‑month 2026 and 12‑month 2027 budget option (2 in favor, failed)

County Commissioners

The commissioners unanimously approved payments of $300,037.60 for MCRCC jail accounts and $458,384.32 for county accounts and payrolls. They also approved a $2,592 contract with Northern Data Systems to access prior years’ data. A decision on Edmunds GovTech software hosting was tabled to the next regular session, with Commissioner Kelley abstaining. Personnel actions passed unanimously included hiring Liza Clark temporarily, revising the County Treasurer job description, and setting Treasurer pay scales for 2026 and 2027, while a grievance was denied.

• Approved MCRCC jail payment $300,037.60 (unanimous)
• Approved County payment $458,384.32 (unanimous)
• Approved $2,592 Northern Data Systems data‑access contract (unanimous)
• Tabled Edmunds GovTech software hosting decision to next session (Kelley abstained)
• Approved temporary employment for Liza Clark effective Aug 21, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved revised County Treasurer job description dated 8/21/2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer elected‑official pay scale effective 1/1/2026 (unanimous)
• Denied grievance #072425-104447 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners approved a motion to go into executive session at 10:00 a.m. to discuss non‑public information, as allowed by MRS Title 1§401(6){F). The motion passed unanimously. The public session resumed at 3:20 p.m. and the meeting adjourned at that time.

• Approved executive session for non‑public information discussion (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will meet to consider the approval of a consent agenda and review department reports. The session includes the review of county and jail warrants and an executive session regarding personnel information.

• County Warrant 8/7/2025
• MCRCC (Jail) Warrant 8/8/2025
• District 6 Collaborative Consultant Funding
• Amended H.R. Director Employment Agreement
• Office Associate Job description amendment

The court session approved the edited consent agenda and appointed Lieutenant Matthew Magnusson to lead the Opioid Committee. Commissioners authorized several payments and re‑allocated $186,667 from the former Superior Courthouse final payment, directing 70% to the Technology Reserve and 30% to the Severance Reserve. They also approved contracts for internet service and computer equipment, funded a $32,000 jail‑collaboration consultant, and authorized purchase of a Sheriff’s K9 protective vest.

• Approved the consent agenda as edited (motion passed)
• Authorized $67,962.72 MCRCC payment (2‑0 vote, 1 abstention)
• Allocated $186,667 from courthouse payment: 70% to Technology Reserve, 30% to Severance Reserve (unanimous)
• Funded up to $32,000 for District 6 Jail Collaborative consultant (unanimous)
• Approved $4,269.72 purchase of Sheriff’s K9 protective vest from Uniform budget (unanimous)
• Approved 36‑month internet service contract with Consolidated (unanimous)
• Approved $24,915.15 purchase of 3 laptops and 16 desktops (unanimous)
• Approved revised Office Associate job description (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will hold a special session on August 6, 2025, to discuss personnel-related non-public information.

• Special session for personnel discussion
• Meeting location: 39B Spring Street, Belfast
• Meeting time: August 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

Commissioner Betty Johnson called the special court session to order at 10:00 a.m. Because Commissioners Kevin Kelley and Timothy Parker were absent, the session was closed for lack of a quorum. No substantive actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

County Commissioners

The meeting consists of procedural boilerplate and a scheduled executive session to discuss non-public information. No other public business is listed on the agenda.

• Executive session regarding non-public information per MRSA Title 1§401(6)(F)

At 10:00 a.m., Commissioners Kelley moved and Parker seconded a motion to go into executive session for discussion of non‑public information, which was approved unanimously. The public session resumed at 2:20 p.m., but no further action was taken. The commissioners adjourned the meeting at 2:20 p.m.

• Approved motion to enter executive session (unanimous)
• No action taken after public session resumed
• Session adjourned (no further business)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet to review finance reports and approve payroll warrants for the county and the jail. The body will also consider pay step increases and an MOU for the County Clerk's office.

• MCRCC (Jail) Warrant 7/24/2025
• County Warrant 7/24/2025
• 2025 P/T Pay Scales
• MOU Vote (NECU)
• Executive session regarding employment

Commissioners voted unanimously to shift the county budget to a fiscal year effective 2026. A remote participation policy for meetings was adopted. An Ad Hoc Opioid Committee for Waldo County was created unanimously. Payments for July 2025 county and jail warrants were authorized.

• Adopt remote participation policy – motion passed (no vote tally provided)
• Approve fiscal year budget effective 2026 – unanimous
• Establish Ad Hoc Opioid Committee – unanimous
• Authorize payment of MCRCC accounts payable $228,639.18 and payroll $55,775.18 (total $284,414.36) – passed with 2 votes, Commissioner Kelley abstained
• Authorize payment of County accounts payable $260,394.87 and payroll $189,051.35 (total $449,446.22) – passed with 2 votes, Commissioner Kelley abstained
• Approve 2025 part‑time pay scales for multiple positions (e.g., Patrol Deputy $24.54/hr, IT Technician $26.78/hr) – unanimous for each
• Approve amended employment agreement for HR Director Tracy Benton (rev. 7/17/2025) – unanimous
• Approve one‑year Midcoast Villager subscription – passed with 2 votes

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are meeting for a special court session. The agenda consists of procedural items and an executive session to discuss non-public information.

• Executive session for discussion of non-public information per MRSA Title 1§401(6)(F)

The commissioners entered an executive session at 10:00 a.m. to discuss non‑public information, as permitted by MRSA Title 1§405(6)(F). The motion to enter executive session was approved unanimously. After resuming the public session at 3:21 p.m., the commissioners voted unanimously to adjourn.

• Motion to go into executive session approved unanimously
• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously

County Commissioners

The meeting consists entirely of executive sessions to discuss non-public information and the consideration of assignments, roles, and duties. No public business or votes are listed on the agenda.

The commissioners voted unanimously to rescind the County Remote Participation Policy dated July 21, 2021 and to revisit a new policy at the next Commissioners Workshop. The chair tabled further discussion and any decision on that item until July 24, 2025. All other motions were procedural, directing the board into executive session or adjourning the meeting, and were approved unanimously.

• Entered executive session at 10:06 a.m. for non‑public information (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 10:52 a.m. for assignments and duties (unanimous)
• Rescinded Remote Participation Policy dated 7/21/2021; revisit at next workshop (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 11:16 a.m. for assignments (unanimous)
• Tabled further discussion and decision to 7/24/2025 (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 11:45 a.m. for roles and duties (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 12:02 p.m. for real property (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:04 p.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The commissioners approved a motion to authorize payment of credit cards, WEX, the Meritain Health Premium, and MainePERS before the next regular session. They also scheduled a special court session on July 17, 2025 for a non‑public workshop. The meeting was adjourned at 5:29 p.m., all votes unanimous.

• Authorized payment of credit cards, WEX, Meritain Health Premium, and MainePERS (unanimous)
• Scheduled special court session on July 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. for a non‑public workshop
• Adjourned the meeting at 5:29 p.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will convene to approve a consent agenda including financial warrants and meeting minutes. The board will also review department reports, including a fuel oil contract and updated pay scales for the sheriff's office.

• Finance Report and Warrants
• Minutes: June 5, 2025 & June 18, 2025
• Fuel Oil contract
• Updated Sheriff’s Office Administrative Staff Pay Scale
• Wiring/camera project at Probate/Commissioners Court

The commissioners authorized a total of $327,174.04 for county accounts payable and payroll. They also approved related financial actions, a new correctional administrator credit card, surveillance cameras, and other operational items. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved $327,174.04 County accounts payable and payroll (unanimous)
• Approved $100,140.90 MCRCC accounts payable and payroll (unanimous)
• Issued a $2,000 credit card to the new Correctional Administrator (unanimous)
• Approved installation of surveillance cameras and keeping back doors locked (unanimous)
• Approved hiring a trainer for Emergency Management classes (unanimous)
• Approved placeholder signing for Maritime Energy contract saving $2,500+ (unanimous)
• Approved corrections to the March 13, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned the session at 12:07 p.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will meet to review financial warrants and personnel matters. The session includes a scheduled tax abatement appeal hearing regarding Peace Ridge Sanctuary and the Town of Freedom.

• Tax Abatement Appeal Hearing: Pet. 386 Peace Ridge Sanctuary vs Town of Freedom
• MCRCC (Jail) Warrant 6/18/2025
• County Warrant 6/18/2025
• Background Check Contract
• New hire and pay step increases

The commissioners approved multiple financial payments, increased staff pay, and hired a new full‑time patrol deputy. They also cancelled a tax‑abatement appeal hearing and postponed discussion of the CivicPlus software to the August session. All actions were adopted unanimously.

• Approved payment of MCRCC (jail) warrant $238,077.89 and payroll $41,929.62, total $280,007.51 (unanimous)
• Approved payment of County warrant $73,310.42 and payroll $172,845.84, total $246,156.26 (unanimous)
• Approved retroactive wages $523.26 from CCA funds and $17,495.72 from Severance Reserve (unanimous)
• Approved bonuses totaling $2,250.00 from the Human Resources budget (unanimous)
• Approved increase of part‑time Office Associate base rate to $23.03 effective June 15, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved hiring of Elijah J. Stone as full‑time Patrol Deputy at $28.49 per hour effective June 23, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Edgewater background‑check contract for the County Commissioners Office (unanimous)
• Cancelled Tax Abatement Appeal hearing after plaintiff withdrew (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet to discuss financial warrants, payroll dates, and budget process reviews. The session includes updates to the health plan and the review of job descriptions for the County Clerk and Finance Director.

• MCRCC (Jail) and County Warrants dated 6/5/2025
• Background Check Contract
• Health Plan Amendments #12 and #13
• Human Resources Attorney Agreement with K. Kelley
• Executive Session to consider a new hire

The court session approved the Continuity of Operations Plan, a Background Check contract with Edgewater, and a Direct Deposit Policy, all unanimously. Payroll and accounts‑payable warrants for June 5, 2025 were authorized, and a 2.5% COLA for non‑union employees was adopted (2‑0, 1 abstention). The Commissioners also signed an employment agreement with HR Director candidate Tracy N. Benton.

• Approved Continuity of Operations Plan (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of MCRCC accounts payable $11,185.87 and payroll $91,466.98 (total $102,652.85) (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of County accounts payable $26,336.75 and payroll $354,995.42 (total $381,332.17) (unanimous)
• Approved Background Check contract with Edgewater (unanimous)
• Approved Direct Deposit Policy (unanimous)
• Approved 2.5% COLA for non‑union employees for 2026 (2‑0, 1 abstain)
• Approved corrected County warrant $38,768.47 and payroll $181,107.97 (total $393,763.89) (unanimous)
• Signed employment agreement with HR Director candidate Tracy N. Benton (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The meeting is scheduled for May 29, 2025. The agenda consists of procedural items and an executive session to discuss non-public information.

• Executive session regarding non-public information per MRSA Title1§401(6)(F)

The commissioners voted unanimously to enter an executive session at 10:13 a.m. for discussion of non‑public information. The public session resumed at 3:00 p.m., and the commissioners then adjourned the meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Executive session approved (unanimous)
• Meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are meeting via Zoom to conduct a special court session. The agenda consists of two executive sessions to discuss personnel matters and compensation.

• Executive session regarding a personnel matter and compensation
• Executive session regarding a personnel matter

The board entered executive session twice to discuss a personnel matter and compensation, each time by unanimous vote. They then unanimously approved presenting the first conditional employment offer to the selected candidate, with the option to present a second offer if needed. They also unanimously approved sending a leave-designation letter to an employee and authorizing the use of the Commissioners’ signature stamps.

• Entered executive session for personnel matter (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for compensation issue (unanimous)
• Approved presenting first conditional employment offer, with option for a second (unanimous)
• Approved sending leave-designation letter and authorizing signature stamps (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet to consider the MCRCC (Jail) and County warrants for May 15, 2025. The session includes several executive sessions to discuss compensation, personnel matters, and candidate interviews.

• MCRCC (Jail) Warrant 5/15/2025
• County Warrant 5/15/2025
• Correctional Administrator vacancy hire
• Revised Sheriff’s Admin Pay Scale
• Executive sessions on compensation and personnel

The Commissioners approved increasing the health‑benefits reserve to $400,000. They also confirmed the hiring of Matthew Magnussen as the new Correctional Administrator effective June 16, 2025. Additional actions included authorizing several payments, auctioning a county truck for a new lease, and waiving a $160.32 repayment. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved payment of MCRCC warrant $137,871.89 (unanimous)
• Added $254.36 invoice to County warrant (unanimous)
• Approved County warrant payment $335,040.46 (unanimous)
• Increased health‑benefits reserve to $400,000 (unanimous)
• Upheld denial of Meritain Health test (unanimous)
• Hired Matthew Magnussen as Correctional Administrator, effective June 16, 2025 (unanimous)
• Authorized auction of 2017 diesel truck, lease new diesel truck, split costs 50/50 between Patrol and MCRCC Garden (unanimous)
• Waived repayment of $160.32 owed to the County (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will hold a special court session on May 7, 2025, to discuss compensation matters in executive session before adjourning.

• Executive session to consider compensation
• Meeting at 39B Spring Street, Belfast

The board voted unanimously to go into executive session to consider compensation, as allowed by MRSA Title 1§405(6)(A). After returning to public session, no further action was taken. The commissioners then unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting.

• Entered executive session to consider compensation (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will meet to consider the MCRCC (Jail) and County warrants dated May 1, 2025. The agenda includes four scheduled executive sessions to discuss policy, duties, compensation, and a legal matter.

• MCRCC (Jail) Warrant 5/1/2025
• County Warrant 5/1/2025
• Executive session on compensation
• Executive session on a legal matter

The commissioners unanimously approved the agenda and consent agenda, adopted internal‑control policy changes, authorized two large payment warrants totaling $113,867.22 and $385,135.97, approved salary increases for the Facilities Manager and a dispatcher, and approved the disposition of records submitted by the District Attorney’s Office. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Added internal‑control policy: no sharing of credit cards (unanimous)
• Added internal‑control policy: card holder limits not to exceed individual limits (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of $113,867.22 for Jail accounts payable and payroll (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of $385,135.97 for County accounts payable and payroll (unanimous)
• Approved salary increase for Facilities Manager to $56,994.36 (unanimous)
• Approved hourly wage increase for dispatcher to $23.99 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will hold a special session to discuss county property and taxation. The meeting includes executive sessions to review employment applications and personnel policies.

• Discussion of 685 Swan Lake Avenue – EMA/County Garden property
• Executive session regarding employment applications
• Executive session regarding assignments, duties, and potential policy

The commissioners unanimously approved the agenda and entered two executive sessions to discuss non‑public employment applications and potential contract policy. They directed the County Clerk to issue a notice and a memo to all departments about county contracts. The board also voted to begin morning sessions at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 10:56 a.m. to discuss non‑public employment applications (unanimous)
• Directed County Clerk to send notice to all departments about contract policy (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 11:36 a.m. to discuss assignments, duties, and potential contract policy (unanimous)
• Directed County Clerk to send memo to department heads regarding county contracts (unanimous)
• Set morning session start time to 10:00 a.m. effective immediately (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:44 p.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet to consider the approval of the MCRCC (Jail) and County warrants. The body will also review a request for pre-approval of air travel for the Sheriff’s Office and pay step increases.

• MCRCC (Jail) Warrant 4/17/2025
• County Warrant 4/17/2025
• Pre-approval of air travel for Sheriff’s Office
• Pay step increases
• Proclamation to support Men’s Health Month or Men’s Health Week

The commissioners authorized two payment warrants totaling $378,274.38 and $260,492.11. They directed that a draft policy for county contracts be prepared by April 24. They voted not to create gender‑related proclamations, allowing only gender‑neutral ones.

• Approved County Accounts Payable and payroll warrant of $378,274.38 (unanimous)
• Approved MCRRC/Corrections warrant of $260,492.11 (unanimous)
• Mandated a draft contract policy by April 24 (unanimous)
• Approved pre‑approval air travel for Sheriff’s Office (unanimous)
• Voted not to create gender‑related proclamations, keep them gender‑neutral (2‑0, 1 abstain)
• Added public‑comment time to agenda (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 9:15 a.m. for contractor/insurance discussion (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 10:12 a.m. for personnel matter (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will hold a special court session to review department reports and grant opportunities. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss commissioner duties and compensation.

• Telecommunicators proclamation and grant opportunity
• Information Technology grant opportunity
• Executive session on duties and compensation per MRSA Title 1§405(A)

The Waldo County Commissioners unanimously approved several items, including support letters for federal law‑enforcement equipment grants and a proclamation for Telecommunicators Week. They also approved the hiring of a full‑time patrol deputy and expressed conditional support for the Penobscot Nation’s dam‑removal project pending letters from Belfast and Northport. The session entered and later exited executive session to discuss the deputy’s duties and compensation.

• Added Communications Proclamation, Public Comment, and grant report to agenda (unanimous)
• Approved county support for Penobscot Nation dam removal project, pending letters of support (unanimous)
• Approved signing letters of support for 2026 Law Enforcement Equipment Modernization Project (unanimous)
• Approved proclamation for Telecommunicators Week, April 13‑19, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved hiring of Matthew G. Sanderson as full‑time Patrol Deputy at $28.49 per hour (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss deputy duties and compensation (unanimous)
• Exited executive session (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The meeting consists of procedural boilerplate. The commissioners will review financial reports, warrants, and an Information Technology report.

• Financial Report
• Warrants presented by Finance Director Kari Hunt
• Information Technology Report

The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, authorized two warrants totaling $500,280.43 for county and corrections payroll, and approved a new 36‑month contract with Lincolnville Communications to increase internet speeds for the Sheriff’s Office and Commissioners Office. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of $391,576.27 for county accounts and payroll (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of $108,704.16 for MCRRC/Corrections accounts and payroll (unanimous)
• Approved new 36‑month internet contract with Lincolnville Communications (unanimous)
• Adjourned session at 11:41 a.m. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are meeting for a special court session. The primary purpose of the meeting is a workshop discussion in executive session regarding non-public information.

• Executive Session workshop discussion under MRSA Title 1§405 (6)(f)

The board unanimously approved a letter of engagement with Rudman Winchell for legal advice. They also accepted the separation of Communications Dispatcher Teri Quappe and the resignation of Patrol Deputy Jacob Grinnell, and approved a conditional hire for Ryan Dobbins. Additional unanimous motions approved wage and leave payouts for former HR Director Annette McLaggan and authorized mileage reimbursement for the IT Director.

• Approved and signed letter of engagement with Rudman Winchell (unanimous)
• Accepted separation of Communications Dispatcher Teri Quappe effective Feb 26, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted resignation of Patrol Deputy Jacob Grinnell effective Mar 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved conditional employment offer for Ryan Dobbins, Communications Specialist/Dispatcher at $22.54/hr effective Mar 19, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved wage payment for former HR Director Annette McLaggan week of Mar 24‑27, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved payout of up to 50% accrued sick leave for Annette McLaggan (unanimous)
• Approved payout of accrued vacation leave for Annette McLaggan (unanimous)
• Approved mileage reimbursement for the Information Technology Director (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will meet to discuss a mutual aid agreement between the EMA and the City Airport. The session includes reports on finance and information technology, as well as discussions on potential probate legislative changes.

• Mutual Aid Agreement between EMA and City Airport
• Potential Probate Legislative Changes
• Resolution and Appointing County Clerk
• County Regular, Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry Regular Warrants

The commissioners unanimously approved a mutual aid agreement with the City of Belfast Airport. They filed the finance report and authorized payment of two warrants totaling $850,933.07. The County Clerk position was changed from non‑exempt to exempt, and a proclamation was issued naming Barbara L. Arseneau the last Maine county clerk.

• Approved mutual aid agreement with City of Belfast Airport (unanimous)
• Filed the finance report (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of General Fund warrant $518,925.63 (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of MCRRC/Corrections warrant $332,007.44 (unanimous)
• Changed County Clerk position to exempt starting next payroll period (unanimous)
• Issued proclamation that Barbara L. Arseneau is the last Maine County Clerk (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 9:31 a.m. for non‑public discussion (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 11:01 a.m. for personnel matters (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will hold a special session on March 19, 2025, to discuss assignments in an executive session before adjourning.

• Executive session to discuss assignments
• Meeting location: Commissioners Courtroom, 39B Spring Street, Belfast

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are meeting for a special court session. The agenda consists of a finance report and an executive session to discuss assignments.

• Finance report
• Executive session regarding assignments per MRSA Title 1§405 (6)(A)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will review the 2023 audit check reconciliation, projected revenue, and tax assessment revisions. The body will also discuss the job description and pay scale for the Correctional Administrator.

• 2023 Audit Check Reconciliation
• Projected Revenue and Tax Assessment Revision
• Correctional Administrator job description and pay scale
• Executive Session workshop regarding MRSA Title 1§405 (6)(f)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will meet to discuss the job description and pay scale for the Correctional Administrator. The session includes reports from Information Technology, Finance, and Human Resources, as well as three scheduled executive sessions.

• Correctional Administrator job description and pay scale review
• County Regular, Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry Regular warrants
• Information Technology report
• Finance report
• Human Resources report

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are meeting for a special session to review correspondence and minutes. The meeting includes an executive session workshop to discuss non-public information under MRSA Title 1§405 (6)(f).

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

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will review financial, human resources, and information technology reports. The body will also consider a job description for a Correctional Administrator. A tax abatement hearing for Duke Simoneau is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

• Tax abatement hearing for Duke Simoneau
• Review of Correctional Administrator job description
• Finance Report from Director Kari Hunt
• Human Resources Report from Director Annette McLaggan
• Information Technology Report from Director J-Sun Bailey

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will meet to discuss the 2025 Service Contract and the 2025 Emergency Management Program Strategic Plan. The session includes reports from the Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology directors.

• 2025 Service Contract and 2025 Emergency Management Program Strategic Plan
• County Regular, Reserve, and Corrections/Reentry Regular Warrants
• Executive Session for discussion of non-public information under MRSA Title 1§405(6)(F)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are meeting for a special session. The agenda consists of a review of finance reports and a non-public executive session to discuss duties and processes.

• Review of warrants, vouchers, and finance report
• Executive session regarding duties and processes under MRSA Title 1§405(6)(A)

County Commissioners

The Waldo County Commissioners will convene to review December 2024 and January 2025 warrants, receive reports from the Emergency Management Agency, Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology departments, and consider a Sign Consultant Contract. The session will include a public comment period and two executive sessions.

• Review of December 2024 and January 16, 2025 warrants
• Emergency Planning report from EMA Director Dale Rowley
• Human Resources Report presented by HR Director Annette McLaggan
• Information Technology Report from IT Director J-sun Bailey
• Sign Consultant Contract to be discussed

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are meeting for a special session to discuss the Day of Mourning on January 9, 2025. The body will also receive reports from the Human Resources and Finance directors and review warrants and vouchers.

• Discussion of Day of Mourning (1/9/25)
• Review of January 2, 2025 County Regular & Reserve Warrants
• Review of Corrections/Reentry Regular Warrants
• Human Resources Report from Director Annette McLaggan
• Finance Report from Director Kari Hunt

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners will meet to elect a 2025 Chairman and determine committee and liaison assignments. The session includes reports from the Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Sheriff's departments.

• Vote for 2025 Chairman
• Determination of Court Schedule and Committee/Liaison Assignments
• Review of December 2024 and January 2, 2025 warrants and vouchers
• Sheriff's Report regarding District 6 Corrections Collaborative