Franklin County

The meeting focused on discussing the approach to budget alterations, prioritizing discussions on cuts, increases, or changes before reviewing department budgets. Key concerns raised by members centered on payroll, benefits, step increases, grade increases, and the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Subsequent discussions involved initial votes on FY2026 budgets for various offices and departments. The EMA budget required multiple amendments before reaching a unanimous approval of $286,016. The District Attorney's Office, Superior Court, Registry of Deeds, Registry of Probate, Communications, and Jail budgets were all approved. The Commissioner's Office budget was approved at $400,000 after significant reductions. The Treasurer's Office budget was approved at $259,165 after amendments, and the Technical Services and Facilities budgets were approved with minor adjustments. The County Wide budget was reduced by $7,500 by cutting Soil and Water Conservation funding. Finally, the minutes for the April 30, 2025 meeting were accepted with one amendment regarding a payment obligation.

The meeting included discussions and analyses of various agenda items. The Administrator's Report covered topics such as new hires, court needs, employee appreciation, CPR/First Aid training, Rangeley Daycare TIF, jail construction, legal opinions, and the MCCA conference. The UT Report focused on the status of UT roads and bridges. The Jail Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Grant was discussed, along with the Wellness Program Grant application. The IT Department reallocation due to a cyber incident was addressed. The DOT Port of Entry Discussion covered road overlays and concerns over traffic issues. Old business included TIF applications for the Narrow Gauge Riders and the United Methodist Economic Ministry.

The meeting covered the Clerk's Report, which included the approval of minutes from previous meetings and updates on new hires and rate increases within the Corrections Department. The Treasurer's Report was not provided. The Commissioners discussed awarding the RFP for a jail generator, bids for medical, mental health, and pretrial services, and a medical services transition. A new contract for I Am Responding was presented. The Vehicle Use Policy discussion was postponed. Quotes on culverts were presented, but a decision was delayed until the UT Manager's return. An ARPA report was submitted. The Commissioners also recognized Tim Hardy for his years of service and held an executive session regarding a personnel matter.

The meeting included discussion and approval of the Clerk's and Treasurer's reports. Interlocal agreements for fire services for Salem Township were signed with Kingfield, Strong, and Phillips. Bids for medical, mental health, and pretrial services were reviewed, with a decision deferred until the next meeting. The job description for the Administrative Assistant/Finance Clerk was approved. The Commissioners discussed Medicare reimbursement options and decided to revise the language to include payroll reimbursement for a future meeting. The Vehicle Use Policy was tabled. Amy Bernard and Tiffany Baker were authorized to access county bank accounts. The resignation of the EMA Director was accepted, and a potential hiring matter was discussed in executive session.

The meeting included discussion and decisions on several key items such as approval of the Treasurer's report, a medical contract extension, a jail union employee step increase, and county and jail taxes. The Commissioners also approved observing the Juneteenth holiday for nonunion employees and addressed ARPA updates, including rejecting prior bids for a security system and reposting an RFP. Additionally, the status of the Schoolhouse Road Bridge was discussed.