Bar Harbor, Mount Desert boards review police consolidation plan

The Bar Harbor Town Council and Mount Desert Select Board held a joint workshop to review a proposal to consolidate police personnel and payroll under a single employer. The police chief explained that the move aims to streamline administration and reduce liability costs without changing service levels or reducing staff. Both boards indicated support for proceeding with the memorandum of understanding to be finalized by April 2027.

Key points

• The proposal shifts police employment to a single entity, likely Bar Harbor, to standardize benefits and eliminate dual liability risks.
• Cost sharing for administrative positions will change from a 60-40 split to a 50-50 split, while sworn officer costs will be divided based on staffing levels.
• The police chief emphasized that there will be no reduction in personnel or interruption in service, with patrol zones remaining unchanged.
• Vehicle assets will not be immediately transferred but will shift to Bar Harbor ownership through natural attrition and replacement.
• The boards discussed the long-term potential for fire department consolidation, noting it would be a gradual process.

Next steps

• Town managers will finalize the memorandum of understanding language, including conflict resolution clauses.
• Both boards will take separate actions to authorize their respective town managers to enter into the MOU.
• The finalized plan is targeted for presentation to voters by early April 2027, with full integration planned for July 1, 2027.

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