William Birch

The commissioners concluded an executive session with no reportable items. Discussion followed regarding the handling of employee compensation and scheduling adjustments due to expected snowfall, specifically how to compensate employees sent home early or affected by closures. The discussion touched upon whether to follow court closures or state guidance, noting a historical preference for adhering to court business status. The matter was generally left to the discretion of one specified individual for that day's decision. General comments and a motion to adjourn followed the discussion.

The agenda for the Commissioners' special meeting includes discussions on the formation of the Board of Directors for the new Three-County Aroostook County Action Program (CAP) with the CEO. Major items pertain to the Airport, involving requests for approval of Just Compensation Letters for multiple parcels (Acadia Pines, LLC, Acadia Aqua Farms, LLC, and Plan R Properties, LLC) and the approval and issuance of bid packages for Airport Wide Pavement Maintenance and Snow Removal Equipment, as well as contracts for pavement maintenance and hangar development with DuBois And King. Maintenance items include approving a "Builders Risk" insurance policy for EOC construction and an application for payment from EL Shea. Human Resources discussions involve approving a Compensation Review Project Proposal from HR Data Labs LLC, and approvals related to Symetra Life Insurance Company for disclosure and Paid Family & Medical Leave Insurance. The Commissioners plan to enter an executive session to discuss labor negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).

The special meeting agenda was accepted, and no public comment was offered. Key actions included recognizing an employee for five years of service. The Northeast Workforce Development Board provided an update on the Economic Labor Market Overview for Hancock County. The Commissioners approved 2026 Regional Animal Control Officer Agreements with the Towns of Gouldsboro and Trenton. For the Airport, approvals were granted for Purchase and Sales Agreements and Avigation Easements for two parcels, Parcel #3 ($26,400.00) and Parcel #2 ($28,600.00). Regarding the Jail, an extension of 60 days was approved for a Corrections Officer working out of classification. The Sheriff's Office received approval to transfer forfeited assets ($820 in U.S. Currency) and to solicit bids for Automatic External Defibrillators (A.E.D.'s). Ownership of K-9 Finn was approved for transfer to Deputy Travis Frost. The Maintenance department received approval to sole source the purchase and installation of a Uninterruptable Power Source (UPS) ($32,684.00) and a Stand by Generator ($38,963.00) at the EOC site, citing Build America Buy America guidelines concerns for the UPS. An E.L. Shea Change Order #1 for the Hancock Site / EOC Project was also approved. Human Resources items involved designating the County Administrator to authorize cell phone reimbursements ($50/month) and approving proposed changes to the Travel and Subsistence Reimbursement policy. The Treasurer secured approval for twelve 2025 End of Year Departmental Reserve Fund Transfers and an I.T. Reserve Funds Transfer for Banyon Jarvis's 2026 payroll costs. The Commissioners held an executive session to discuss union contract negotiations, and later adjourned.

The Commissioners' agenda included several key items across various departments. For Unorganized Territories, there were requests to repeal an existing trash removal agreement with the Town of Steuben and approve a new agreement with modified dates. The Airport agenda involved approving a Change Proposal with Nickerson & O'Day to reflect updated wage scales based on an Executive Order. The Jail agenda included accepting a resignation and approving a promotion for a Corrections Officer. Financial matters involved reviewing and approving monthly bills and warrants for January 2026, approving the Recapitulation Assessment of County Tax, setting the tax due/interest accrual dates, and reviewing Unorganized Territory Financial Statements. Further discussions covered changing corporate credit card vendors, appointing representatives to the Three-County Community Action Agency, approving Bylaws and an Application for the Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee, appointing representatives to the Maine County Commissioners Association Board of Directors, discussing the Community Benefit Grant Application Process, and holding an executive session to discuss labor negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The Sheriff's Office requested approval to purchase a K-9 unit and submit a related grant application.

The special meeting commenced with the election of the 2026 Commissioner Chair, resulting in John Wombacher being unanimously elected. The agenda was adjusted to include the Approval of the ACO Agreement between the Town of Deer Isle and Hancock County. Key discussions included the Unorganized Territories' monthly report, where it was noted the SPCA will not contract for stray animal housing, prompting research into using TIF money to support local animal shelters. A significant portion of the meeting involved approving multiple 2026 Regional ACO Agreements with various towns and the Unorganized Territories. The Airport, Emergency Management Agency, Maintenance, Regional Communications Center, and Human Resources departments presented and received approval for their respective monthly reports; the EMA motion also included approval for out-of-state travel to a hurricane preparedness course. The Maintenance report included an update on the EOC site, showing cost savings and additions for emergency alerts and security cameras. The Human Resources agenda included approval for Military Leave policy changes. The Treasurer's items included approval of monthly bills and a contribution from the Community Benefits Account to the Jail Fund. Under County Administrator items, the 2026 county mileage rate was set, travel expenses authorized, and check signing authority limits established. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss labor negotiations with the FOP, after which nothing was reported publicly.