Penobscot County Commissioners review 2027 budget workshop with $8.2M increase

Penobscot County Commissioners held a budget workshop on October 14, 2026, reviewing the proposed 2027 budget which shows an overall increase of approximately $8.2 million, bringing the total to roughly $43 million. County Administrator Blair Tinkham presented departmental changes, including staffing adjustments in the Public Radio Communications Center and new capital requests for emergency management and facilities maintenance. Commissioners discussed the impact of rising utility costs, healthcare expenses, and the loss of revenue from the Aroostook County dispatch contract.

Key points

• The proposed 2027 budget increases from approximately $35 million to $43 million, with a projected levy of $37.8 million.
• The Public Radio Communications Center (PRCC) budget reflects a reduction in dispatch staff from 34 to 30 full-time positions due to the loss of the Aroostook County contract, resulting in a $103,974 savings.
• Commissioner David Marshall expressed concern over the magnitude of the budget increase, suggesting that capital requests for communications equipment and furniture be phased in over two years rather than fully funded in 2027.
• The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is requesting $94,000 in capital funds to build reserves for radios, vehicle replacement, and a redundant heater network system.
• The Department of Administration is adding a deputy position to facilitate day-to-day operations, and the HR department is converting a part-time position to full-time to address staffing needs.
• Non-departmental costs include $1.14 million for the PRCC loan, $500,000 in TAN interest, and $1.4 million for TIF repayment with interest.

Next steps

• Blair Tinkham to provide a recommendation on the PRCC capital lines after Commissioners have time to digest the information, potentially returning next week.
• The Finance Department to verify the accuracy of the Facilities budget lines regarding heating and building improvements.
• The County to negotiate the IT services contract with Somerset County to potentially increase revenue.
• The Commissioners to review the jail tax cap and potential increases to recoup lost fund balance, noting legal and political constraints.

Read the full transcript