Sagadahoc County tables opioid fund decision, discusses jail and tower updates

The Sagadahoc County Board of Commissioners tabled a decision on opioid settlement funds to allow the Board of Health to finalize its recommendation, while also discussing the status of the Midcoast Jail Authority and the upcoming completion of the county's communications tower upgrade. The board received updates on sheriff's department staffing, IT director hiring, and the MCCA annual report.

Key points

• Commissioners tabled the opioid settlement fund allocation until the next meeting to allow the Board of Health to formally vote on continuing the community navigator and crisis K-9 stipend.
• The board discussed a $12,000 bid from Bureau Veritas for a facilities condition assessment, noting that only $11,000 was budgeted, and decided to revisit the authorization in November.
• Andre Cushing, MCCA president, reported on the association's financial health and proposed hiring an executive director, a move commissioners discussed with concerns about political neutrality and county buy-in.
• The board discussed purchasing a new EMA vehicle for $47,000 outside the Enterprise fleet contract to save approximately $42,000 compared to the standard lease rate.
• Commissioners planned a go-live ceremony for the new communications towers, tentatively scheduled for mid-November, with West Bath identified as a potential primary site due to parking availability.

Next steps

• The Board of Health will return to the commissioners with a formal vote on opioid fund allocations at the next meeting.
• Commissioners will revisit the facilities condition assessment bid and budget authorization in November.
• The MCCA board will vote on the executive director position in November to allow for budget crafting in December.
• Staff will coordinate with town administrators to plan the communications tower go-live ceremony for mid-November.

Read the full transcript