Aroostook County

The commissioners addressed several items, including an update on the ACAP service expansion and the establishment of a Charter Commission. The board reviewed the 2025 Sheriff's Annual Report and discussed the cost-effectiveness of Brightly software for facility maintenance. Approvals were granted for hiring a part-time custodian, a fire protection agreement with the Town of Houlton, hiring new North Lakes firefighters, increasing flat rate postage for the Registry of Deeds, and issuing a proclamation for a local broadcaster. Additionally, the commissioners hired a new County Administrator and expressed support for the Limestone Regional EMS/Ambulance Corps initiative. An executive session was held to discuss salary scales.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on nominations for the Community Action in Aroostook, Hancock, and Washington County Board of Directors and updates regarding the potential establishment of a County Charter Commission. The Board will address terms for the Finance Committee, review the 2025 Sheriff's Office annual report, and receive an update on Brightly software usage. Additional items cover engineering services for the Houlton Courthouse steps, the utilization of temporary employment services for custodial staffing, and a 2026 fire protection agreement with the Town of Houlton. Furthermore, the meeting will consider hiring recommendations for North Lakes firefighters, a postage rate increase request for the Registry of Deeds, a proclamation for the Spirit of America Foundation, and an executive session to discuss the county administrator search and FY27 personnel salary structures.

The Commissioners' meeting involved several key agenda items and approvals. Business included approving the agenda as amended and approving the minutes from January 6, February 5, and February 6, 2026, along with the amended minutes from January 29, 2026. The Board signed the attendance record and bills/warrants, and approved liquor license renewals for Martin's General Store and Long Lake Sporting Club. Updates were received from the Land Use Planning Commission regarding the Comprehensive Land Use Plan update and a new fee requirement for short-term rentals. Following interviews, the Commissioners selected SMRT Architects & Engineers as the preferred jail design/architecture firm. The Board considered but took no action on a referendum question for new jail locations. Approvals were granted for the 2026-2027 Dispatch contracts, quarterly financial reports ending December 31, 2025, the adoption of the Aroostook County Federal Procurement policy and the Aroostook County Federal Subrecipient Monitoring policy, the recommission of Deputy Ryan Johnston, the 2026-2027 ambulance agreement with the Town of Madawaska, and the hiring recommendation of two North Lakes Firefighters. The Board tabled and later approved personnel policy updates regarding telecommuting, storm days, retirement, re-employment, and earned paid leave. Finally, the Board approved the recommendation for the 2025 Spirit of America celebration, approved the 2026 subsidy request from the Town of Ashland for specific services, and discussed various committee reports.

The document records a public hearing concerning the 2025-2026 County Budgets. Key presentations included the detailed financial breakdowns for the General Fund, the Jail Fund, and the Unorganized Territory (UT) Fund, outlining projected expenditures, departmental revenues, and required tax assessments for each. Following the hearing, a joint meeting convened where the 2025-2026 County budget, Jail budget, and Unorganized Territory budget were formally approved.

The meeting involved the election of the 2026 Chairperson and the approval of the agenda, which was amended to include considerations for the 2026 mileage rate, ambulance agreements with Ambulance Services, Inc. and the City of Caribou, and services in the Sinclair/Cross Lake/Square Lake area. The Commissioners approved several items including a letter of support for St. Peter's Store regarding an Agency Liquor Store licensure. Updates were received from the Northeast Workforce Development Board. Discussions included the denial of the Devoe Brook Road winter closure appeal and the approval of an Order to Establish a Charter Commission. Agreements for ambulance services with the Town of Madawaska and Ambulance Services, Inc. were approved. Legislative updates covered tax appeal restructuring and jail funding constraints. Other business included approving the 2026 mileage rate and finalizing contracts for ambulance services. The Commissioners entered into an Executive Session to discuss the County Administrator position, after which they voted to reopen the search for that role. The document set presentation dates for the 2025 Spirit of America Awards for April, May, and June 2026.