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The past week brought progress in Washington County’s struggle to address its debt, with commissioners and the Budget Advisory Committee approving a budget they acknowledged will be painful for taxpayers but necessary to cover basic needs and maintain 2025 service levels.

On Wednesday, Lubec voters approved prepaying the town’s $423,512 share of Washington County’s $8 million tax anticipation note for 2025. Unlike some other municipalities, Lubec will not borrow to cover its share but will cash out a $500,000 certificate of deposit. The early withdrawal penalty will cost less than borrowing.

Last month, Calais signaled it would not prepay its $381,451 share, but the City Council unanimously approved the expenditure Thursday and plans to use existing city funds to make the payment next week.

Lubec and Calais joined more than 20 municipalities that have agreed to prepay, meaning the county will borrow far less than the $8 million it had anticipated and reduce interest costs for taxpayers.

Towns without sufficient surplus funds or investments to cash in will still need to borrow to meet their obligation, but the interest will be on much smaller amounts than the county faced when it went to voters with the bond referendum last month.

Towns that do not prepay their 2025 share will be responsible for interest on whatever amount the county ultimately borrows.

Many of the discussions around prepayment have been tense and accusatory, but at Wednesday’s joint commission and Budget Advisory Committee meeting the atmosphere shifted to collaboration, with both groups focused on adopting a budget so residents — including county employees — would have answers about how 2026 is expected to look.

Commission Chair David Burns, Budget Advisory Committee Chairman Brian Schuth and others praised fellow officials and county staff members for the hours spent over the past six months working to correct prior financial missteps. They encouraged continued collaboration toward healthier management of taxpayer money.

Looking ahead to 2026, Burns said he intends to work with the Sheriff’s Office on the possibility of Washington County’s unorganized territories underwriting one or more patrol deputy positions, a strategy Penobscot County uses to fund two deputies. Burns said the move would ease pressure on the county’s regular budget and strengthen law enforcement in the 35 unorganized territories.

The pain is not over in Washington County, but officials say there is now a plan to manage it as the new year approaches.

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Washington County officials adopt budget: Following months of meetings and negotiations, the final budget represents a 17 percent increase over last year, far less than the 40 percent first proposed. Read this story by Judith Meyer

Lubec voters approve paying town’s share of Washington County 2025 tax anticipation note: Town to tap certificate of deposit to pay its $423,512 share. Read this story by Ethan Bien

City Council votes to prepay Calais’ share of Washington County tax anticipation note: With a “pay it now or pay it later” option in front of them, Finance Committee members urged the council to prepay the city’s $381,451 share of the debt now. Read this story by Ethan Bien

Machias police officer given Lifesaving Award for quick action: The Select Board approved emergency general assistance by purchasing a new propane furnace for a family in need. Read this story by Evan W. Houk

While The Maine Monitor does not place its content behind paywalls, some newsrooms we link to in this newsletter may. 

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The former treasurer for the Ellsworth Elementary-Middle School Parents, Teachers, Friends group was charged Monday with Class B theft, for allegedly stealing over $37,836 from the organization, according to police. | Ellsworth American

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