Knox County Commissioners Approve Jail Consultant, Federal Grant

Knox County commissioners voted unanimously to hire a Portland law firm to help guide the county's possible expansion into a regional jail authority with Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties. Commissioners also accepted a federal justice assistance grant for range hearing protection and heard a presentation on how the Registry of Deeds guards against deed fraud.

Key points

• Commissioners voted 3-0 to authorize the sheriff to sign an agreement with a Portland firm for consulting on regional correctional governance and development, at a county cost of about $27,033, one third of the $81,100 total.
• The sheriff said the work continues the District 6 corrections collaborative, which includes Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Waldo counties, and aims to stabilize rising jail costs.
• Commissioner Hynde, who helped review proposals, said the firm was chosen unanimously for its experience with Maine counties and its ability to move quickly before the legislative session.
• Lincoln and Sagadahoc county commissions are expected to vote on their portions of the contract no later than October 13.
• Commissioners voted 3-0 to accept a federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, based on 2024 crime statistics, with the county's share going toward hearing conservation and range protection.
• Register of Deeds Dr. Deeds gave an overview of deed fraud prevention, noting realtors, attorneys and notaries verify identities and that the county offers a free fraud alert service; she said she has not seen deed fraud in her 26 years.

Next steps

• Lincoln and Sagadahoc county commissions are expected to vote on the same consulting contract by October 13.
• The consultant will help pursue legislative approval for Knox County to become a full member of the Two Bridges Regional Jail authority.
• Commissioners adjourned and planned to reconvene at 5 p.m. for a budget meeting.

Read the full transcript