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Greetings from Downeast where the leaves are falling all around us, the brilliantly burnished ones and the still verdant ones alike. Darn this drought! And it might not be over. According to the National Weather Service, the entire state risks drought extending into winter without a LOT more rain this fall.

But don’t lose hope for more color in the woods and your dooryard. Leaf-peeping season hasn’t reached peak Downeast.   

Speaking of deficits — outrage is growing on social media over the Washington County Commission’s proposed 40% tax hike and $11 million bond budget bailout. Many residents are posting to say they’ll vote no and let the cards fall where they may. 

One budget committee advisor suggested a Plan B — divvy up the budget deficit among the municipalities. They could decide how to handle the one-time hit for their portion, potentially with reserves or by borrowing with more favorable terms.

Meanwhile, the first required public hearing for the bond is next Tuesday. The Monitor’s Daniel O’Connor has details in his story spotlighted below.

Also be sure to mark your calendars for the next public meeting of the Upper Machias Bay Master Plan, Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Lee Pellon Center. The public can weigh in on everything from Machias River flood control to the eventual fate of the Machias dike.

Washington County takes $11M borrowing plan to skeptical public

In addition to the bond, officials have pitched a tax hike of up to 40% as the path out of a major budget crisis.

Read this story by Daniel O'Connor of The Maine Monitor & Bangor Daily News

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

Northern Light Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced Wednesday afternoon that they have agreed to extend their existing contract by 30 days. | Ellsworth American

Washington County is considering a referendum to stop electing the treasurer, a position that is crucial to managing public funds but requires no financial experience of candidates. | The Maine Monitor

The government shutdown that began on Oct. 1 will impact portions of Acadia National Park, while placing most of the park’s staff on furlough and canceling planned activities such as field trips and ranger programs. | Mount Desert Islander

Acadia National Park generated $745M in economic output for gateway communities in 2024, according to economic data released by the National Park Service this week, ahead of the federal government shutdown. | Mount Desert Islander

The decision to open or close Cadillac Summit Road to traffic will be made on a day-to-day basis while the federal government shutdown continues, according to the Acadia National Park website. | Portland Press Herald

Maine risks drought extending into winter, according to a senior hydrologist with the National Weather Service, who says the state needs far above normal autumn rainfall to overcome severe dry conditions gripping the state. | Maine Public

While researchers wonder what to do about Maine’s green crab problem, others — like a former Milbridge farmer who grinds invasive green crabs into fertilizer — see opportunity. | The Maine Monitor

The deadly canine parvovirus is spreading throughout Maine, shuttering dog parks in Aroostook County. There were 29 cases statewide reported this week, according to a national parvovirus tracker. Thus far, none are reported Downeast. | The County

Ellsworth waterfront property owners will see a substantial increase in tax bills mailed last month. Waterfront properties collectively saw a 31% increase in assessed property values this year, according to City Manager Charlie Pearce. | Ellsworth American

More older Mainers died by gun suicide than they did in car crashes over a 15-year period. The numbers represent a troubling trend playing out in rural communities across the country. | The Maine Monitor

A Maine construction company has been fined $95,000 by federal regulators following the death of an employee in March at its offices in Marshfield. | Bangor Daily News

The Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority has awarded a $25,000 grant to the town of Jonesport toward rescuing a derelict, circa-1900 waterfront property, once a cornerstone of local commerce. | Mainebiz

For one day only this month, people can buy waterfront property in Jonesport starting at $199,000. A Virginia-based waterfront development company is forming a new, organized community similar to a subdivision with a Property Owners Association. | Bangor Daily News

Mainers can begin casting their votes for the Nov. 4 election when in-person absentee voting begins Monday. | Portland Press Herald

Have feedback, a correction or know of something we should look into? Send it to our newsroom. If you have feedback or a tip that you want to send to Joyce Kryszak directly, email her at: joyce@themainemonitor.org. 

The Maine Monitor is a publication of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, an independent and nonpartisan nonprofit news organization that produces investigative journalism. We believe news is a public good and keep our news free to access. We have no paywall and do not charge for our newsletters. If you value the reporting we do for Maine, please consider making a donation! We cannot do this reporting without your support.

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