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Commissioners debate LD 1775 jail bond and opioid-fund use as sheriff reports higher jail population and staff losses
Summary
County commissioners discussed draft legislation (LD 1775) to authorize a revenue bond for county jail upgrades and expressed concern about proposed use of opioid-settlement and liquor proceeds to backstop bonds. At the same meeting the sheriff reported a higher jail census and several staff departures to the Maine State Police.
Sagadahoc County commissioners discussed proposed state legislation, LD 1775, that would authorize a revenue bond to help Maine counties upgrade jails and meet corrections needs, while weighing concerns about who would back the bond and how dedicated settlement funds might be tied up.
Why it matters: Commissioners flagged two funding issues that could affect county finances and services — the possible use of opioid settlement proceeds and liquor-store revenue to back the proposed bond, and a county jail population and staffing pressure described by the sheriff.
What was said about LD 1775: The measure under discussion was described in the meeting packet as "an act to authorize the issuance of a revenue bond to upgrade county jails to meet the corrections needs of Maine counties." Commissioners noted the draft bill would create an $87,000,000 financing vehicle in which disbursements could be apportioned pro rata. One commissioner raised concern that the bond appears backed by liquor-store proceeds and opioid settlement funds; that approach, board members said, could commit settlement receipts years in advance and limit local flexibility. The board noted state approval and executive-branch signoff would still be required for funding pledges.
Sheriff's report and jail capacity: The sheriff reported the county jail census at 33 inmates — 25 pre-sentence and 8 sentenced — and said that figure is higher than the county’s typical upper‑twenties average. The sheriff also reported personnel changes: two full-time deputies have accepted positions with the Maine State Police and a programs deputy, Michael Laitrop, submitted a resignation for personal reasons. The sheriff said one new deputy will graduate from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy next week and rejoin the staff, but vacancies remain and hiring is underway.
Other corrections items: Commissioners and staff discussed a companion county-corrections funding proposal (referred to in the meeting as an increase to the county corrections fund to 30% of prior-year jail costs, up from an earlier fixed allocation). Staff noted the statutory allocation had been set to $20,000,000 in 2022 and that 30% of recent statewide jail costs would represent a materially larger appropriation.
Action: The board discussed whether to authorize a draft letter of support for LD 1775; the transcript records discussion and varying views but does not record a formal board vote authorizing the letter in this meeting.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to follow the bill’s language changes and to report back; the sheriff said recruitment would be stepped up to fill patrol and programs positions.
