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Committee approves $111,000 ongoing to restore long‑term care ombudsman coverage in Aroostook County
Summary
The committee approved adding $111,000 ongoing to the supplemental budget to fund a dedicated long‑term care ombudsman position for Aroostook County after staff explained the county currently lacks on‑the‑ground coverage and regional funding had ended in July.
The Health and Human Services Committee voted to add $111,000 ongoing to the supplemental budget to fund a long‑term care ombudsman position dedicated to Aroostook County.
Committee members were told Aroostook County currently has no dedicated on‑site ombudsman and that coverage had been provided by regional staff from other parts of the state. Department/ombudsman staff (Nicole) explained that a regional ombudsman covered Aroostook until funding ended in July and that the office has relied on outsourcing coverage from other territories. The requested $111,000 ongoing is intended to restore a permanent position and local coverage.
A motion to add the funding was made and seconded; the item was advanced by the committee (voice vote recorded, tally not in transcript). Members voiced support for restoring dedicated local coverage for residents and asked staff questions about the vacancy and prior staffing changes.
The committee's action moves the appropriation forward for inclusion in the supplemental budget, with departmental follow‑up expected on implementation details.
