UPDATE: Penobscot County Commissioners have just approved a $35.3 million budget for 2026, marking a significant 15.6% increase from last year’s $34.5 million budget. The unanimous vote occurred during the commissioners’ final meeting of the year on December 13, 2023, amid ongoing financial pressures linked to a $3.5 million shortfall in the county jail budget.
The budgetary process has been fraught with challenges this year, primarily due to a growing crisis in the jail funding, which had previously relied on undesignated funds. This has led to a staggering $7 million budget gap. Initially, the commissioners proposed a $36.1 million budget in November, but after deliberations with a 15-member budget advisory committee, they were forced to cut expenditures by approximately $850,000 and identify an additional $150,000 in revenue.
Last-minute adjustments were made to the final budget, including an increase of $50,000 for building improvements and $20,000 for transitional costs related to the new County Administrator expected to be hired in 2026. These changes have raised the amount to be collected through property taxes, which will directly impact residents in Bangor.
County Treasurer Glenn Mower stated that property taxes will increase by 21 cents per $1,000 of property value, meaning a typical homeowner in Bangor could see their tax bill rise to $3,582 for a property valued at $200,000. The commissioners stressed that the budget increases were not due to rising costs within county departments but rather the urgent need to address the jail’s financial shortfall.
Dan Tremble, one of the commissioners, acknowledged the substantial budget increase, stating, “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.” He emphasized that the jail issue remains a critical concern, and a new facility is essential to alleviate the ongoing financial strain.
Plans for a new jail are on the horizon, with a potential bond for public vote slated for June 2024. However, Tremble cautioned, “The problem is not going to be solved until the state steps up and funds the jails the way that it’s supposed to be funding.”
As Penobscot County navigates these financial waters, residents and officials alike are watching closely for further developments regarding jail funding and potential infrastructure improvements. The implications of this budget approval will resonate throughout the community, making it imperative for residents to stay informed as the situation unfolds.
