[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6154976,"mediaKeyId","5482146-3fd6e3fdbcaacfeef720c0a14dfbfe4c","parentId",5482146,"title","Finance director: draft audit letter prompts internal improvements; van bond application submitted","audioSeconds",194,"startMs",2409000,"endMs",2603000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5482146-3fd6e3fdbcaacfeef720c0a14dfbfe4c&start=2409&end=2603","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5482146-3fd6e3fdbcaacfeef720c0a14dfbfe4c/thumbnail_2409000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6154976/Maine/Finance-director-draft-audit-letter-prompts-internal-improvements-van-bond-application-submitted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6154976-32e7f8186dc6f469eb2fbfe05dbd7c9d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770561945&Signature=NvVxEQATRrYVJstAZSEov4gdkRlzaWFOBkzwiCdzAo0Gt-HmD4fNfE2pTZ53tHVFeXfSrxXn5Ka4wRYxj-xeQvyLIJa2y-NweWYOsfPi74vCc186nvBBje9GS9gbpXA7oltAA23k6zhP-tghue0paOesH6E~9gJ5mYKyxSKceUDx05~FtuC7FJ9B6YvXWhLEjLXmdnXou~zFXb5WrkqjGXUwKJnGDjktHtLK2Myso4wh2Yl6MJm2Ged637xp6tTpabFk89WZOIKyWhjTkV0n-2UXZl1NVhK-An-aOnudoytAvOHdRNgcZxyoddqqmPdKBTVQU479mSmGi6IDIDcibw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-26T07:21:59.413Z","article","The city's finance director told the council the city received a draft management letter from auditors and intends to address the findings with a combination of staff process changes and outside assistance. The director said some issues flagged by the auditors have already been fixed and that the city will take a corrective action plan approach to improve fiscal procedures.

\"Once we get, look through this audit, our team's gonna get together, and our goal is to implement and change and do whatever we can to, make FY '25 that much better,\" the finance director said. The director also noted the department is working to display grant activity more clearly in city systems and acknowledged turnover in finance staff during the fiscal year under audit.

Separately, staff said a bond application for a van originally approved in December (for roads and Surrey Road work) was submitted to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline so the purchase can transition to a bond rather than pay-as-you-go. Council discussion included a request for a presentation by the auditors at the finance committee or a workshop so the council can review findings and next steps.

The finance director said the city engaged Sue Lessard, identified as a former Bucksport town manager, to assist with current financial procedures and help the city reach \"best-in-class\" systems; staff said periodic touchpoints with the council are planned to review progress. Council members emphasized that audit findings are an opportunity to improve and asked for transparent reporting on corrective actions. No formal votes were taken during the discussion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Finance Committee Meeting - July 25th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Finance staff reported receipt of a draft management letter from auditors and said they will implement changes to improve fiscal procedures; the city submitted a bond application for a previously approved roads van to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline.","taxTitle","Finance Committee, Ellsworth, Hancock, Maine","taxId",70091,"location","Maine","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6154981,"Ellsworth moves to consistent Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–6 p.m. city‑hall hours as part of four‑day workweek plan",492,1374000,1866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5482146-3fd6e3fdbcaacfeef720c0a14dfbfe4c&start=1374&end=1866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5482146-3fd6e3fdbcaacfeef720c0a14dfbfe4c/thumbnail_1374000.jpg","/articles/6154981/Maine/Ellsworth-moves-to-consistent-MondayThursday-7-am6-pm-cityhall-hours-as-part-of-fourday-workweek-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6154981-052b604f9a8a9529a7679c2eab6cabe9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770561945&Signature=nyZb-dLj96dwhj5eE4PKmtZFbfuAH6QAUBv2yraSfqRsJsWiiSrwpW4O2YqJLsiuCpkbzAPFi58M9MZNV0YItObc2lHLsjj2PSoWfxFvZhpCG14Afkdo~L5J5oO6UaBK9rl8n4cbNVksbqy~2f40ZQlThyhGEILBfUgqkttk9lnDHG4gcm~pHk6l3wnmS3~dcNfnkZ-ADM24y37WFfGhXABZX0JAoWXt4UHCPMM5HTa6oCoPhMMnPlVM3B2o0O32194F60nrThXV7E-tzAa9cwIVHjQ~ZlwMyjptBcpZp18RToPVf7IsieaR5BXO65ZRqaZ6WQq9ymazw1CFclP5jg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council discussed implementing a four-day workweek for city hall that would create consistent customer-facing hours: Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Staff and council members said the plan aims to increase total weekly coverage (44 hours instead of the prior 42-hour pattern) while offering more predictable hours for residents and more flexible schedules for employees.

A council official said the target implementation date is Aug. 11 and that the change would not add pay but would standardize hours for customers. \"7 to 6, as discussed with the clerk's unit, gets us to that 44 hours instead of 42,\" a city official said, adding the schedule could represent among the most expansive city-hall hours in Maine.

Council members emphasized two separate processes: (1) deciding standard business hours for the public, and (2) management-level scheduling to cover those hours with staff. Several members urged cross-training so multiple employees can handle core customer services; staff reported clerks and tax-collection teams have been cross-trained, with the utilities coordinator identified as the remaining single-person role that may need a staffing solution.

Officials acknowledged the roll-out may be \"clunky\" initially for single-person specialty roles but argued that ensuring customers “leave with what they came for” is the priority. Management-level staff said they will determine specific staffing rotations, and that either the city manager, deputy or other management staff will be present during operating hours.

Council discussion included clarifying that the business hours decision is separate from union negotiations and that staff will solicit input after the public schedule is set to accommodate workers' needs. No formal vote was recorded; staff said they will announce details and work with departments to develop schedules, cross-training and any minor process changes needed for the transition.","Council members discussed implementing a four-day workweek for city hall with consistent Monday–Thursday hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., cross-training staff to ensure service coverage, and a proposed implementation date of Aug. 11.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6154986,"Council discusses mill rate, tax-bill timing and data deadlines for accurate bills",72,708000,780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5482146-3fd6e3fdbcaacfeef720c0a14dfbfe4c&start=708&end=780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5482146-3fd6e3fdbcaacfeef720c0a14dfbfe4c/thumbnail_708000.jpg","/articles/6154986/Maine/Council-discusses-mill-rate-tax-bill-timing-and-data-deadlines-for-accurate-bills","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6154986-637246628bcb6a100ab61abf7a4904fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770561945&Signature=PhrbgOtBSeLCpYaHCf5zlnzjB-E9TR4dw6uAlmg8XihpuYY-zjekAHtq1GKhapsHVtV11nZoJw78ClXsglpfaqfNMJWQnprd1nW6wBXv1rEcOk6Jo~xCSEa~IEAWXGYrGdnH5tYJRR29mZEgWMiqFEMVNVCIbXK5Y~4IyV3tJo36fW7OHppdu5fYYYX44GxaWJtZhD5abjmAgpdyNIfZfSM4xSdOyL8crThoLGWIK6wwCaeq0mIrEA7qOZCSCFtPDWqunttSyI~0VZG1aO2EqyZDYH7gk5DKTDul32I1kGyEVRgxz2nLI~8Fz~dBRerwUm4tGnzrz2gaoWhYnYOi5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ellsworth council members and city staff discussed the municipal mill rate, recent property valuation changes and internal data deadlines that affect the timing of tax-bill mailings, and agreed to bring a detailed mill-rate conversation to the finance committee.

A city official said city staff had previously committed to deliver necessary data to the tax and billing team between Aug. 4 and Aug. 10 but that staff recently realized those internal deadlines might not be met, which could affect the timing of tax-bill distribution. \"That was the commitment in writing to have the information that the other teams needed to move forward,\" the official said. \"That was the first time that I had heard about that we might not make that deadline internally in order to get the tax bills out on time.\"

The official said staff would investigate resources and timelines—possibly using internal or external assistance—to determine whether the city can meet current mailing time frames or whether the council should consider changing the tax-bill mailing deadline. The official warned that shifting the tax-billing schedule has downstream impacts, including debt service and short-term borrowing costs (tax anticipation notes).

Council members asked for a more detailed presentation to the finance committee. One council member said they would prefer any decision about changing the billing date be deliberate; staff said they would report back to the finance committee and, if necessary, make a recommendation at the next council meeting. \"My first step is gonna get the clarity on, is do we have the resources internally or potentially externally, to ensure that the data needed for the commitment gets us to our current time frames for bill distribution,\" the official said.

No formal decision was taken during the discussion; staff committed to further analysis and a report to the finance committee by the following week.","Council members debated data deadlines and internal resource constraints affecting the timing of tax bills and discussed bringing the mill-rate conversation to the finance committee for more detail.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6154990,"Council to formalize small annual contribution to Downeast bus service after years of informal payments",81,485000,566000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5482146-3fd6e3fdbcaacfeef720c0a14dfbfe4c&start=485&end=566","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5482146-3fd6e3fdbcaacfeef720c0a14dfbfe4c/thumbnail_485000.jpg","/articles/6154990/Maine/Council-to-formalize-small-annual-contribution-to-Downeast-bus-service-after-years-of-informal-payments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6154990-4f921df535da3a83d76c2fa695d7618b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770561945&Signature=X~oXXCIdXRvxTQLKjHtpQuIJHy9s8sohfiM6OYGdMhd4b1apHFcIDq-2umRaKSN7NB7KPuPUws8gf8dTm7SiM-MTZAVEyKsrSxlWhs1mmawnUk3b5waqGoLFOgUlzmTq~Y4HXdPOINFTTYBgCauvl9dj2MbCOMf4D0Uu8dR1RWsOEX4b-EkXIvlBWOs227gmyMp2u1kP8hBjRrHtajuIViUudhMTaT5a8Q7R7UiSBaxUOB94ACAMju5c3gQeiPLz94RdVMgwb9Wd8hGiuhntR~z1oYi5hECnHvWMak15ptA3x54JAouNos7L53qWg25GGyMyxwS9LlFGh5GxEu8hQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members discussed a recurring $2,500 contribution the city has made for several years to the Downeast bus service, describing the service as valuable to residents and recommending the council incorporate the payment into the formal budget or a contract.

A city official said the contribution had been paid \"the same $2,500 ... over the last eight years or so\" but that the payment fell out of the formal budget process in recent years and was not billed or paid during some fiscal years. \"They did send a bill in last fiscal year, and it was denied to be paid. We, in the finance department, didn't pay it, because it wasn't budgeted,\" the official said.

Council members said the amount is modest relative to transportation budgets in surrounding communities and recommended bringing the request into the regular outside-organization or social-services budget cycle so that the payment is predictable and covered in advance. \"It sounds like we just need to get it in the formal process,\" one council member said.

No formal motion or vote was recorded in the discussion. Staff said they would track the request and work to include the contribution in the budget process or pursue a contract so future payments are predictable.","Council members discussed a $2,500 annual contribution to the Downeast bus service that has been paid irregularly in prior years; staff said payments were not budgeted and recommended formalizing the contribution through the budget or a contract.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6154995,"Ellsworth expands paid EV chargers, deactivates two older free units",0,384000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5482146-3fd6e3fdbcaacfeef720c0a14dfbfe4c&start=384&end=384","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5482146-3fd6e3fdbcaacfeef720c0a14dfbfe4c/thumbnail_384000.jpg","/articles/6154995/Maine/Ellsworth-expands-paid-EV-chargers-deactivates-two-older-free-units","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6154995-d3390c391bf9acab194b6dd01270d074/orig.mp4?Expires=1770561945&Signature=KjbqPbEKTNsdwC1Jlt272-eUx2rxgB3ZORg8dBNZxd8CLAWJBETB2qKMUH7ZHQOxiG4VI4kq7YHUw9Y2XBQtoAvudBAnrbaGWZpffBGMCzpaPRbdlye3HogZrA6FncY-5KgxuKg3MJWKviVDDUKe2GxDO6oQlcFTbgmRTavvEr3Y~L~ubIbIWzR8olqjWWtlubB1KTq~0gYptLR5AImDi40p0x-2pqkxSJwWp3K83wyd9PX~qYBxCX8~ZW9KJcAUlAOCbQLWMBRjpdCXyXIY1wGofajpr1mG9-LhNQWG16vvZxc13xk6JUVZTbiB2hbTa85ImTJs-6-6Uy-h2I7fmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ellsworth city officials told the City Council that eight new paid electric vehicle charging ports are operational downtown and producing early revenue, and that two older free chargers on Franklin Street have been deactivated while staff seeks options for reuse or relocation.

City staff said the municipal share of the new charger installation cost was about $10,000 after tax credits and that the city initially funded that out of a reserve account that will be replenished from future charger revenue. \"We pulled from, I think, one of the reserve accounts to fund the initial piece, and then we're gonna replenish that reserve account with this going forward,\" a city official said.

Council members and staff discussed the Franklin Street units, which the city has powered for free under a previous agreement. The city official said the original installer will be contacted to determine whether the units can be repurposed, relocated to municipal facilities (for example, the highway garage or wastewater plant), or sold. \"We reached out to the company or the nonprofit that originally helped install those chargers, and the contract had it the city would provide the electricity for free,\" the official said. The group named as the owner in discussion was Climate to Thrive (transcript references showed uncertainty about the exact styling).

Council members asked whether the city could instead keep the units and charge for usage or charge for parking at their current sites. Staff said the original contract did not allow the city to charge at those specific units without returning them to the owner. One council member suggested installing a parking kiosk at the harbor and charging for the space rather than the charger to create a revenue workaround while preserving infrastructure.

Officials also highlighted differences between the older and newer units: the new downtown ports are faster, trackable and payable through a payment system, and include a municipal code allowing city vehicles to use them. \"They're a little bit faster ... Just trackable, payable. We have a special code for our municipal cars that can go in there,\" the city official said.

The city said early usage brought in \"a couple hundred dollars in a week\" and emphasized it will continue to monitor usage and consider modest marketing and signage to direct drivers to the new chargers. Council members urged staff to explore reusing the deactivated units rather than removing infrastructure if a feasible ownership or billing solution can be found.

The discussion included no formal vote; council direction was to continue outreach to the original installer/owner, monitor the new stations, and evaluate possible re-deployment or sale of the deactivated Franklin Street units.","City officials reported eight new paid electric vehicle charging ports are operating and generating early revenue, while two older free chargers on Franklin Street have been deactivated pending discussions with the original owner about reuse or relocation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Finance director: draft audit letter prompts internal improvements; van bond application submitted

Ellsworth moves to consistent Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–6 p.m. city‑hall hours as part of four‑day workweek plan

Council discusses mill rate, tax-bill timing and data deadlines for accurate bills

Council to formalize small annual contribution to Downeast bus service after years of informal payments

Ellsworth expands paid EV chargers, deactivates two older free units