Sagadahoc County commissioners press for jail capital plan as boarding revenue outlook shifts

Sagadahoc County commissioners spent a substantial portion of their Sept. 10 meeting probing long-term capital needs at the Two Bridges Regional Jail and debating how to finance critical security and communications upgrades.

Sheriff Joel Merry told commissioners the jail’s daily in-county population averages 26 and the total facility population was 167 in August, including federal boarders and inmates from Androscoggin County. Merry said boarder revenue has helped stabilize the facility’s finances in recent years but cautioned that those arrangements may change. "The Jail Authority is aware that boarding revenue will not be around forever," he said, and that the jail may need a new cost structure within three years.

Commissioner August described a proposal discussed by the District 6 Corrections Collaborative for a 10-year, $2.5 million line of credit to address immediate capital needs, including door locking systems and communications upgrades. August said counties would pay principal and the jail would cover annual interest. "The request is for a 10-year credit line in which the Jail would pay the interest each year and the counties would be responsible for covering the payments on the principle," he said.

Commissioners called for a clearer prioritized capital plan before endorsing borrowing. Commissioner Crosby urged the Jail Authority and its finance committee to present vendor estimates and a concrete list of priorities so the boards can evaluate whether to borrow $2.5 million, a smaller amount such as $800,000, or to fund projects from reserves. "Perhaps it is $800,000. That is how the line of credit would work," Crosby said. He also proposed setting aside the annual bond payment once the current bond retires to build a capital reserve.

Sheriff Merry noted that the jail previously built a capital reserve — now "just under $900,000" — by transferring surpluses when available, but said there is no operating-plan to replenish it. Commissioners asked Jail Administrator Col. James Bailey to provide a prioritized list of capital projects, vendor estimates, and governance clarification about which committee or authority would approve borrowing.

The board also discussed operational drivers: per-diem rates charged to boarders were recently raised (noted in discussion from $85 to $100), and Merry said market forces and differing county investments affect the Sagadahoc assessment. Commissioner Grose asked whether the jail can generate net positive revenue; Merry said baseline operating costs are about $5 million and that without boarders each county would need to raise appropriations by roughly $400,000.

No formal vote was taken on borrowing. Commissioners said they will await the Jail Authority’s detailed capital plan and vendor information before considering any line of credit or other financing mechanism.