Commissioners back $2 million line of credit recommendation for Two Bridges Regional Jail after $1.68M repair estimate

Colonel James Bailey, administrator of Two Bridges Regional Jail, told Sagadahoc County commissioners that an updated estimate of repairs to the jail’s door-locking and oversight systems totals $1.68 million and that a recently identified radio upgrade would add nearly $200,000 to near-term needs.

"The total cost comes to $1.68 million," Bailey said during a Nov. 12 briefing, adding that the Jail Authority is seeking a line of credit to fund work as projects are completed rather than returning to member counties for each draw.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the upgrades are tied to officer and inmate safety and must be planned so the jail does not deplete its capital reserve in the event of an emergency. Commissioner Stephen August said the Authority must present an updated capital plan and a timeline before the county will endorse borrowing.

The board voted 3-0 to recommend that the Jail Authority secure a $2 million line of credit, contingent on the Authority approving a 20-year capital plan and updated project estimates. Commissioner August said the Facilities sub-committee will meet to review the plan and timelines.

What was presented and how funds would be used: Bailey said the line of credit would be drawn only for approved work as bills were submitted; interest would be charged only on money drawn and the principal would be due at the end of the 10-year term unless the counties agree on earlier payoff. Bailey said the Jail Authority policy requires three bids for any project above $10,000 and that routine approvals could be handled by the Executive Committee between full meetings.

Finances and reserves: Commissioners were told the Jail Authority's capital reserve balance is roughly $697,100 after a roughly $200,000 radio upgrade that came out of the capital account. Bailey and Sheriff Joel Merry said the Authority expects some projects to be covered from that reserve, but the line of credit would provide capacity for urgent repairs without draining reserve funds.

County reaction and next steps: Commissioner Crosby urged long-term planning, suggesting a steady annual contribution (he cited $100,000 as an example) to avoid future borrowing. Commissioner August emphasized the need for an updated plan and current estimates before any borrowing proceeds. The Facilities sub-committee will meet on Nov. 18 to review the capital plan and the Jail Authority will need to approve the plan before the line of credit is arranged.

The recommendation does not itself authorize borrowing; it instructs the County's representative to support a $2 million line of credit if the Jail Authority adopts the requested capital plan and follows the stated bid and approval policies.