URGENT UPDATE: Penobscot County Commissioners have just approved a new budget of $35.3 million for 2026 during a decisive meeting on December 20, 2023. The unanimous vote marks a significant increase from last year’s $34.5 million budget, driven by a pressing need to address a $3.5 million shortfall in the county jail budget.
The budget approval comes amidst a lengthy and contentious process, as officials grappled with a growing fiscal crisis. The jail’s funding issues, which ballooned to a staggering $7 million, have forced the county to rethink its financial strategies. Previously, the jail was funded through undesignated funds, complicating the budget landscape.
Commissioners initially proposed a $36.1 million budget in November, but after extensive discussions, the county’s budget advisory committee recommended a $35.1 million budget without detailing specific departmental allocations. To comply, the commissioners made approximately $850,000 in cuts and identified $150,000 in additional revenue, effectively reducing the tax burden by nearly $1 million.
Despite these adjustments, the final budget reflects a 15.6% increase from last year, which will translate to an average rise of 21 cents per $1,000 of property value in Bangor. For property owners, this means an estimated tax bill of $3,582 for homes valued at $200,000.
Commissioner Dan Tremble emphasized that the increase is not due to departmental expenditures but rather the urgent need to rectify the jail’s funding crisis. He stated, “It’s a big increase, but the facts are, if you look at the county department by department, there aren’t any huge increases in the budget this year.”
Looking ahead, officials are exploring options for a new jail facility, which could potentially ease the financial burden. Commissioner Dave Marshall noted that a public vote on a bond for the new jail could occur as early as June. However, both Tremble and Marshall stressed that state funding is crucial to resolve the ongoing budgetary issues.
As the county faces these significant challenges, residents are urged to stay informed about upcoming developments regarding the jail funding and the potential bond vote. The implications of these decisions will shape the county’s financial landscape and the well-being of its residents in the coming year.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Penobscot County navigates its budgetary challenges.
