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Sheriff says jail costs and changing state funding are straining Sagadahoc County
Summary
Sheriff Joel Merry told commissioners the county jail faces population pressures and budget uncertainty, with Sagadahoc residents accounting for 27 of 150 inmates and interest rising in diversion programs; counties are pressing the State for higher Corrections appropriations.
Sheriff Joel Merry told the Sagadahoc County Commissioners on Aug. 13 that the county’s corrections operation is under pressure from higher costs and changing inmate flows.
Merry reported 528 calls for service in July and said the department conducted numerous traffic details paid for by the Bureau of Highway Safety, focusing on OUI and speed enforcement. He said he is working with EMA Director Phil Davis to pursue grant funding for a replacement electronic speed sign, with funding preliminarily available for FY26.
On jail operations, Merry gave the board updated population figures and contract status: 27 Sagadahoc residents were at the county facility, the total inmate population was 150, TBRJ is taking boarders from Androscoggin County and federal inmates, and Waldo County accounted for 23 inmates against a contract for 30 beds (seven empty). He said there is growing interest in diversion and electronic monitoring programs.
Merry described broader fiscal challenges: counties receive Corrections appropriations through a bed-days formula and he said that while the State previously increased the County Corrections line, ongoing inflation and rising costs have left counties preparing a proposal asking the legislature for higher per-county funding. He also said a co-drafted bill to move to a per-inmate, per-day payment model did not pass earlier.
Commissioner August noted the July finance report showed Jail Funding revenue for FY24 about $41,000 below the prior year. Merry said revenue estimates reflect bed-day expectations and that the current State formula divides appropriations among counties based on bed days in shared facilities.
Merry also flagged traffic and safety concerns tied to Woolwich bridge work — unpaved approaches were causing backups and there were several serious accidents in July, including one fatality he said was caused by inattention rather than the construction.
The sheriff closed by highlighting community outreach, noting a well-attended National Night Out event and a drone demonstration by Detective Brian Carlton.
The board did not take formal action on corrections funding at the meeting; Merry said counties are coordinating a request to the State for additional appropriations.
