Sheriff reports long pretrial stays and commissioners table jury bathroom funding pending MOU

Sheriff Joel Merry told the Sagadahoc County Commissioners on Dec. 10 that November call volume was 431, a little below the month average, and that 2024 is running roughly 6–7% below 2023 in calls for service. He reported the total jail population that day was 162, with 25 in Sagadahoc County—6 sentenced and 19 pre-sentenced—and warned that average stays are lengthy: 155 days for pretrial inmates and 192 days for sentenced inmates, which he said reflects difficulties in moving cases through the court system.

Merry linked part of the backlog to court scheduling, saying the courts run on a tight calendar; Commissioner Charles Crosby agreed court processes are largely beyond the commissioners’ control. Merry also described a state RFP tied to legislation that appropriated $3 million for overtime and first-responder fees after the Lewiston incident and confirmed the Sheriff’s Office applied for reimbursement covering 68 hours of overtime—about $4,800—though he cautioned the county may not receive the full amount depending on demand.

Administrator Amber Jones reported the County and Maine Judicial Branch are collaborating on ADA upgrades to the courthouse; the immediate priority is the third-floor jury bathroom. Jones said the Judicial Branch has provided a draft MOU that includes an agreement to share half the bathroom cost and a broader list of ADA items. Commissioner Stephen August pressed for a signed MOU before spending county contingency funds; Jones said the work is scheduled and some expenses must be paid to obtain reimbursement. Given those concerns, the board tabled the $6,300 request for now and asked for the MOU and written estimates to be reviewed before approving county disbursement.

Next steps include the Space Needs Committee reviewing the draft MOU, Jones presenting a finalized draft in January if available, and coordination with the Maine Judicial Branch on ADA priorities and cost-sharing.