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It was apparent during Thursday's Washington County Commission meeting that Budget Advisory Committee members were frustrated by the commissioners' vote to reject the budget committee's $13.65 million budget recommendation.

In September, commissioners rejected the budget committee's initial recommendation and committee members have worked for months to trim $2 million from that proposal to craft what Budget Advisory Committee Chairman Brian Schuth called a "real-world, properly funded budget."

Earlier this week, Provisional Treasurer Grace Falzarano backed the budget committee’s latest recommendation, calling it “adequate” to operate the county. Anything less, she said, “puts us right where we were in 2025” — a situation she described as unworkable.

At Thursday’s meeting, commissioners made clear they want deeper cuts.

Chairman David Burns praised budget committee members for their hard work and dedication, and thanked county staff members for the extra work the process created, but said, “We’re not out of the woods yet.”

Commissioner Billy Howard challenged a $79,000 furniture request, saying, “We’re not going to do that.” He said broken furniture at county buildings can be repaired, and he wants that done before any new furniture is purchased.

Many budget line items are fixed by contracts, rising insurance rates, higher electric bills, leases, debt service and other expenses beyond the county’s control. Cuts will have to come from discretionary accounts, such as training and education, office supplies, meals, computer upgrades — and furniture.

Commissioners and budget committee members are scheduled to meet Wednesday for a daylong session to negotiate a final budget.

We will also keep you posted on the number of municipalities that have agreed to prepay their portion of the 2025 tax anticipation note to help lower the county's debt by the end of the year.

So far, $2.27 million has been pledged toward easing the county’s $8 million debt, and officials expect more pledges.

It is going to be a good week for employees of the Woodland Pulp mill who are going back to work.  

All 144 employees who were temporarily laid off in early November are expected to return by Wednesday, which is really good news.

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Washington County officials say they intend to make final decisions on 2026 budget in the coming week: County Commission rejected the Budget Advisory Committee’s second budget plan at its last meeting, setting the stage for a full day of final negotiations Wednesday. Read this story by Judith Meyer

A dozen municipalities so far will prepay their portion of Washington County debt: The county plans to align its budget cycle with towns to cut reliance on loans, but the change may not take effect until 2028. Read this story by Judith Meyer

Woodland Pulp set to reopen on time and at full force: A handful of maintenance employees returned in late November, and others started back last week. The remaining workers are expected to be back on the job by Wednesday. Read this story by Amber Stone

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

The number of Maine children who are homeschooled has jumped since the pandemic, growing from 3.6 percent of students in the 2019-20 school year to 6.4 percent in 2024-25, according to a Maine Monitor analysis of data from the Department of Education. | The Maine Monitor

Following a raucous hourlong meeting earlier this week, the Lubec Board of Selectmen decided to present voters with two options for how to pay Lubec’s portion of the county debt. Voters will decide at a public hearing and special town meeting set for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. | The Maine Monitor 

Property tax burdens are high, and not just along the coast. Here’s where property taxes are hitting Mainers the hardest. | The Maine Monitor and Bangor Daily News

Maine’s flagship public university is cutting budgets across campus in anticipation of an $18 million shortfall. | The Maine Monitor

Two Maine municipalities are taking votes within the next week to continue the de-organizing process. | Bangor Daily News  (Maine Monitor context: Can a town just dissolve?)

The Trump administration is withdrawing a plan that would have gutted funding for Maine homelessness programs. But Maine's support network for people experiencing homelessness faces a new round of uncertainty. | Maine Public

U.S. House passes Rep. Golden's bill to restore federal workers' collective bargaining rights. | Maine Public

Maine lawmakers hear from forest products industries on the impacts of tariffs on Canadian imports. | Maine Public

Maine fishermen are urging U.S. trade officials for fair rules governing fishing practices in international waters between Maine and Canada. | Mainebiz

The Grinch factor: Workforce challenges, holiday pressures weigh on small businesses’ confidence. | Mainebiz

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands announced the first round of Maine Trails Program (MTP) grants, a $30 million, multi-year bond approved by voters in November to improve the state’s trails systems. $7.5 million was awarded to 44 projects statewide, including projects Downeast. | Maine Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

The annual Wreaths Across America convoy made time for a quick stop in Ellsworth Sunday for a ceremony reflecting on the service and sacrifice of veterans. | Ellsworth American

Have feedback, a correction or know of something we should look into? Send it to our newsroom. You can reach Monitor Local editor Judy Meyer directly via email: judy@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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