Michael R. Crooker

The Commissioners addressed various administrative and operational matters, including the acceptance of monthly reports from departments such as Unorganized Territories, Airport, EMA, Maintenance, RCC, and Human Resources. Key actions included approving a Pavement Maintenance Project grant, authorized the hiring of a corrections officer and a janitor, and approved the replacement of an elevator jack as a sole source project. The board also authorized the engagement of an A/V media company for the EOC and directed the Facility Director to seek bids for radon mitigation in the former EMA office. Additionally, the Commissioners discussed Opioid Settlement Fund allocations and held an executive session for contract negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police.

The meeting included approvals for various land lease and estoppel agreements related to Talaria Company LLC, d/b/a Hinckley Yachts, as well as an agreement with Morris Yachts. The Commissioners authorized a contract amendment for the pavement maintenance project and approved advertising for the sale of a forfeited vehicle. A sole source procurement was approved for concrete step repairs at the jail. Other actions included personnel changes in the District Attorney's office, a conflict waiver for bond counsel, and budgetary transfers for jail and office equipment. Additionally, the Board heard and denied two property tax abatement appeals and received an overview of the Land Use Planning Commission's comprehensive plan update and an update regarding the Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee.

The commissioners addressed multiple administrative and operational items, including the approval of Unorganized Territories paving bids and an easement deed for the airport. Discussions included jail operations, specifically hiring corrections officers, advertising a transport van, and purchasing kitchen equipment. Bids were opened for the courthouse shingled roof section project, and the contract was awarded. The board approved the hiring of legal counsel for a Tax Anticipation Note and discussed lease rates for the Maine District Court. Furthermore, the meeting involved progress updates on the Opioid Settlement Fund grant process and a collaborative determination of the 2026 Community Benefits Grant award amounts. Executive sessions were held to consult on legal litigation and conduct union contract negotiations.

The board discussed and took action on several items, including authorizing a sculpture project on county property by the Heart of Ellsworth, approving various Unorganized Territories' trail grants and road paving bids, and discussing a plan for back-up animal control services. Additionally, the board opened sealed bids for airport equipment and pavement maintenance, reviewed Emergency Management Agency office moving expenses, addressed forfeited asset transfers, received updates on maintenance projects including the EOC project, approved a part-time legal secretary job description, and established a policy for service animals in the workplace. The commissioners also reviewed tax abatement applications, established the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee, and engaged in union contract negotiations, which resulted in the approval of a K-9 purchase for the Sheriff's Department.

The meeting included various administrative and operational approvals, such as a solid waste agreement with the Town of Cherryfield, municipal trail grant-in-aid programs, and multiple FAA grant applications for airport infrastructure. Personnel actions included promotions within the Jail department, acceptance of several resignations, and the approval of an MOU for animal control services. The District Attorney's office received authorization to purchase a new digital copier. Additionally, the Commissioners updated the Overtime and Compensatory Time Policy, appointed members to represent the county on State Claims Commission hearings, conducted an executive session for labor negotiations, and held a tax abatement appeal hearing which was rescheduled due to technical issues.