Commissioners approve some Matching Grants, deny others in mixed session

Somerset County Commissioners addressed a series of Matching Grant requests on Dec. 3, 2025, approving some awards and denying others after item-by-item debate. Approved awards included $15,000 to Abnaki Sno-Riders (groomer/trail repairs), $11,000 to Irving Tanning Community Center (glass doors, reduced from a $15,000 request), $7,000 to Forks Area Trails Club (bridge repairs), $15,000 to New Portland Lions Club (electrical repairs), $15,000 to the Town of New Portland for a town office addition, and $4,038 to the East Madison Historical Society for energy-efficiency upgrades. Several requests failed: Bingham Area Development Corporation ($12,000) failed 3-2 after concerns about the applicant’s in-kind match; Palmyra Park Boosters lacked a second; a $15,000 request for a Skowhegan youth summer learning program failed after budget concerns; and a $15,000 request for Winslow Food Cupboard cold storage failed amid questions about spending outside county boundaries.

Commissioners debated merits and consistency across applications. For example, Commissioner Sezak said each grant should be judged on its merits, while Commissioner Skillings asked for consistent application of matching criteria; Administrator Tim Curtis and commissioners referenced in-kind matches and local benefit when explaining votes. Vote tallies recorded in the minutes show a mix of unanimous approvals and narrow defeats, reflecting differing views on eligibility, sustainability and county priorities.