Penobscot County Commissioners Approve TIF Grants, Jail Maintenance Hires

The Penobscot County Commissioners approved a TIF grant for a snowmobile club groomer, adopted new TIF application rules and a funding moratorium, accepted a donated tanker truck, and voted 2-1 to fund two night shift jail maintenance positions. The board also appointed a commissioner to the EMDC, modified a grant for the Camden Garden Club, and directed the administrator to develop a scaled-back security RFP.

Key points

• Commissioners approved the Bowling Madigan and Stoneville snowmobile club TIF application for $231,815 toward a new groomer, voting 3-0.
• The board adopted TIF application changes and a moratorium limiting repeat applicants: those receiving $50,000 or less must wait two years, $50,001 to $99,999 three years, and $100,000 or more five years, with exceptions at the committee's discretion.
• Commissioners voted 2-1 to fund two night shift jail maintenance positions at an estimated $200,000 annually, with Commissioner Cushing opposed and Commissioner Marshall and one other in favor.
• The board accepted the donation of a 2009 International 1,200-gallon pumper tanker from the Central Maine Highlands Fire District at no cost.
• Commissioners approved changing Shorey Road in T6R6 back to Snowshoe Road, the name locals use.
• The board modified the Camden Garden Club grant to allow necessary building repairs, including roof and attic work.

Next steps

• Administrator to develop a revised, scaled-back security RFP with different levels of response, with commissioners invited to email input by next Monday.
• A caucus to elect budget committee members must be scheduled and advertised.
• The administrator will address the Old Town council on fiscal policy changes and jail options.
• A letter will be sent to ARPA grant recipients reminding them of the end-of-year expenditure deadline.
• The administrator will continue researching the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund rules and how the funds may be spent.

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