Knox County public meetings in 2021
42 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission held a special meeting on December 28, 2021, and approved a three-year Health Services Agreement with Correctional Health Partners (CHP), LLC for jail medical services. The contract covers January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024, with annual costs of $885,654, $898,939, and $916,918. The commission also held an executive session on a personnel matter and discussed returning to Zoom meetings due to COVID-19.
- Approved Health Services Agreement with Correctional Health Partners (CHP), LLC for 2022-2024 (all in favor)
- Held executive session for legal consultation on personnel matter (all in favor)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission is holding a special meeting to consider a health services contract. The body will also enter an executive session for legal consultations.
- Approval of Health Services Agreement between Knox County and Correctional Health Partners (CHP), LLC for January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024
Public Hearing - Final Vote
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee jointly approved the 2022 county budget totaling $13,231,350, with a net amount of $10,084,709. The Budget Committee voted unanimously (8-0) to approve and transmit the budget, and the Commission followed with a unanimous vote (3-0). The public hearing included comments from the Corrections Union president about wage concerns, but no changes were made to the budget.
- Approved 2022 Knox County budget of $13,231,350 total and $10,084,709 net (Budget Committee 8-0)
- Approved 2022 Knox County budget of $13,231,350 total and $10,084,709 net (Commission 3-0)
- Approved minutes of November 18, 2021 Joint Commission and Budget Committee meeting (all in favor)
- Approved minutes of November 10, 2020 Joint Commission and Budget Committee meeting (all in favor)
Joint Budget Meeting (Public Hearing)
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are meeting to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed 2022 budget. Following the hearing, both bodies will vote on whether to approve the 2022 budget.
- Public hearing on the 2022 Proposed Knox County Budget
- Budget Committee vote to approve 2022 Budget
- Commission vote to approve 2022 Budget
County Commissioners
The commission unanimously approved the 2022 Personnel Policy Handbook, which includes updated language on secondary employment. They also approved transfers of forfeited assets totaling $3,989.30, reappointed three members to the Regional Communications Center Executive Board, and authorized the county administrator to close offices for the holidays. Discussion items covered ongoing facility projects and budget overages.
- Approved 2022 Personnel Policy Handbook (unanimous)
- Approved transfer of $2,991.00 in forfeited assets from State v. Jason Moholland (unanimous)
- Approved transfer of $998.30 in forfeited assets from State v. Michael R. Salmons (unanimous)
- Reappointed Adam Miceli, James Moore, and Jesse Thompson to KRCC Executive Board for terms ending Dec. 31, 2023 (unanimous)
- Authorized Administrator Hart to approve administrative closures for Christmas and New Year's holidays (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission will vote on the 2022 Personnel Policy Handbook and appointments to the Regional Communications Center Executive Board. The body will also consider the transfer of forfeited assets from two legal cases. Discussion items include updates on HVAC and floor repair projects.
- Approval of 2022 County of Knox Personnel Policy Handbook
- Transfer of $2,991.00 in forfeited assets from State of Maine v. Jason Moholland
- Transfer of $998.30 in forfeited assets from State of Maine v. Michael R. Salmons
- Appointments to the Knox County Regional Communications Center Executive Board for 2022
- Updates on KCPSB Floor Repair, Airport HVAC, and Correctional Facility HVAC projects
Joint Budget Meeting
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are meeting to review specific budget items and hold a final vote on all departmental budgets. This action is being taken in preparation for a public hearing. The meeting includes reviews of the airport and cooperative extension budgets.
- Budget review for Knox-Lincoln Cooperative Extension
- Budget review for Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water
- Budget review for Airport Security
- Budget review for Airport
- Final vote on all 2022 Departmental Budgets
Joint Commission Budget Committee Review Meeting
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee held a joint review meeting on November 16, 2021, to discuss the 2022 budget. They approved the MCEDD grant of $48,468 (Budget Committee 3-2, Commission 2-1), the Restorative Justice Project Maine grant of $25,000 (unanimous), and the Sheriff's Patrol budget of $2,422,627 (unanimous). The Corrections budget of $3,857,185 was tabled until November 18, 2021, due to concerns about exceeding the tax cap and a significant increase in medical costs.
- Approved MCEDD grant of $48,468 (Budget Committee 3-2, Commission 2-1)
- Approved Restorative Justice Project Maine grant of $25,000 (unanimous)
- Approved Sheriff's Patrol budget of $2,422,627 (unanimous)
- Tabled Sheriff's Corrections budget of $3,857,185 until November 18, 2021 (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of November 9, 2021 joint meeting (Budget Committee all in favor, Commission all in favor)
Joint Budget Meeting
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are holding a joint meeting to conduct budget reviews. The session focuses on funding for specific county services and departments.
- Budget review for MCEDD
- Budget review for Restorative Justice
- Budget review for Sheriff’s Department - Corrections
- Budget review for Sheriff’s Department - Patrol
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission approved a $253,302 bid from Hagar Enterprises for the Correctional Facility and Public Safety Building paving project, subject to funding availability. The commission also approved the sale of a surplus airport truck for $37,100, approved several airport hangar leases and transfers, and named the new terminal hangar the "Kevin P. Waters Memorial Flight Center." A proposed Fire & EMS Service Assessment Collaborative Study was tabled due to lack of funding and placed on the ARPA list for future consideration.
- Awarded $253,302 paving contract to Hagar Enterprises (all in favor)
- Sold 2009 Chevy 3500 HD truck to Shepard Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for $37,100 (all in favor)
- Approved transfer of Hangar #55 lease from Stanley Jobe to KRKD Jobe Hangar LLC (all in favor)
- Approved new 20-year Hangar #21 lease for Jim Jeans (all in favor)
- Named new terminal hangar the "Kevin P. Waters Memorial Flight Center" (all in favor)
- Approved 2021 Maine County Emergency Management Mutual Aid Agreement (all in favor)
- Approved Knox County GIS Program GIS Policy (all in favor)
- Tabled Fire & EMS Service Assessment Collaborative Study; placed on ARPA list for future consideration (all in favor)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission is meeting to award bids for a vehicle sale and a paving project for the Correctional Facility and Public Safety Building. The body will also act on airport hangar leases and the naming of a new terminal hangar.
- Award bid for Knox County Correctional Facility & Knox County Public Safety Building Paving Project
- Name the terminal hangar under construction the 'Kevin P. Waters Memorial Flight Center'
- Award bid to sell a 2009 Chevy 3500 HD 1-Ton Truck
- Approve and fund the Knox County Fire & EMS Service Assessment Collaborative Study
- Approve the Knox County GIS Program GIS Policy
Joint Budget Meeting
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are holding a joint meeting to review budget items. The discussion focuses on five specific county departments.
- Budget review for Emergency Management Agency
- Budget review for Communications
- Budget review for Building Maintenance - Courthouse
- Budget review for Building Maintenance - KCPSB
- Budget review for Finance
Joint Commission Budget Committee Review Meeting
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee reviewed the proposed 2022 budget, which increases the county tax assessment by $816,703 (9.67%) to $9,445,829. They held a public hearing with no comment, adopted a remote participation policy, and elected officers. Straw votes approved the administrator's recommendations for District Attorney, Probate, Registry of Deeds, County Administration & IT, and Debt Service budgets, with some opposition on the DA and Admin budgets.
- Adopted Remote Participation Policy for Budget Committee (unanimous)
- Elected Shawn Levasseur as Chair, Roger Peabody as Vice Chair, Randy Stearns as Secretary (unanimous)
- Approved DA budget $520,215 (Budget Committee 6-1, Commission 2-0)
- Approved Probate budget $187,035 (Budget Committee 5-0-2, Commission 2-0)
- Approved Registry of Deeds budget $(328,326) (Budget Committee 7-0, Commission 2-0)
- Approved County Administration & IT budget $649,046 (Budget Committee 5-2, Commission 2-0)
- Approved Debt Service budget $198,832 (Budget Committee 7-0, Commission 2-0)
Joint Budget Meeting
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are meeting to conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2022 budget. The session includes a presentation of the budget by County Administrator Andrew Hart and a review of specific department funding. The body will also act to adopt a Remote Participation Policy.
- Public hearing on the 2022 Proposed Knox County Budget
- Action to adopt a Remote Participation Policy
- Budget review for District Attorney, Probate, Registry of Deeds, County Administration & IT, and Debt Service
- Election of Budget Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
Special Meeting - UPDATED
The Knox County Commission will hold a special meeting at 2:00 P.M. The agenda consists of an Executive Session to consult with legal counsel and an adjournment.
- Executive Session for consultations with legal counsel
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission is holding a special meeting to address one action item. The body will act to award the right to negotiate a contract for jail medical, dental, and mental health services.
- Award of right to negotiate contract for Jail Medical, Dental, and Mental Health Services
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission is holding a special meeting to discuss the draft budget for 2022.
- Review of the 2022 Knox County Budget Draft
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission will act on a priority list of eligible projects for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The body will also discuss broadband expansion, the affordable housing crisis, and various facility HVAC and repair projects.
- Approval of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) potential project priority list
- Discussion of Charter Communications broadband offers and low-cost programs
- Update on Knox County Fire & EMS Service Assessment Collaborative Study
- Update on KCPSB Floor Repair Project
- Updates on Airport and Correctional Facility HVAC projects
Joint Commission Budget Committee Review Meeting (Public Hearing)
The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee held a joint review meeting, approving the minutes from December 10, 2020. They discussed the 2022 budget, which proposes a 9.67% increase in the county tax portion, with a total proposed tax assessment of $9,445,819, up from $8,612,782 in 2021. The increase is attributed to personnel costs, health insurance, building maintenance, sheriff's office expenses, and a significant rise in corrections costs, including a $637,167 increase in jail inmate medical services. No final budget vote was taken; the meeting was informational, with the next meeting scheduled for November 4, 2021.
- Approved minutes of the December 10, 2020 Joint Commission and Budget Committee Review Meeting (all in favor)
- Discussed filling the vacant District #3 Budget Committee seat; no appointment made
- Reviewed 2021 YTD budget through August 2021
- Reviewed 2021 budget projects, including airport HVAC, jail HVAC, jail paving, and Public Safety Building repairs
- Reviewed 2022 budget projects, including correctional facility masonry and courthouse repairs
- Reviewed 2022 budget calendar; next meeting with commissioners set for October 15
- Noted that a Remote Meeting Policy must be adopted at the next meeting on November 4, 2021
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission approved a $200 per week retention bonus for all Communications personnel, retroactive to May 30, 2021, funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds designated as premium pay for essential workers. The Commission also approved premium bonuses of $200 per week retroactive to June 27, 2021 for two EMA employees and two IT employees, also funded through ARPA. Additionally, the Commission approved revised job descriptions for five positions, an amendment to the Position Classification & Salary Administration Policy to speed up step increases and reclassification effective dates, and a change to meet twice per month on the fourth Tuesday at 2:00 P.M. The Commission discussed but took no action on a request from South Thomaston to lead regionalization of Fire and EMS, and deferred further ARPA funding decisions to a later date.
- Approved transfer of Hangar #15 lease from Cameron Lewis to Willard Hardy Jr. (unanimous)
- Approved $200/week retention bonus for all Communications personnel, retroactive to May 30, 2021, funded by ARPA (unanimous)
- Approved revised job descriptions for Communications Director, Dispatch Supervisor, Dispatcher, IT Director, and Technical Support Specialist (unanimous)
- Approved amendment to Position Classification & Salary Administration Policy to accelerate step increases and reclassification effective dates (unanimous)
- Approved Commission meetings twice per month, on the fourth Tuesday at 2:00 P.M. (unanimous)
- Approved $200/week premium bonuses for two EMA and two IT employees, retroactive to June 27, 2021, funded by ARPA (unanimous)
- Discussed but took no action on South Thomaston's request for County to lead Fire/EMS regionalization
- Deferred further ARPA funding allocation decisions to a later date
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission will review the 2020 audit and decide on retention bonuses funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Members will discuss a request from South Thomaston for the county to lead regionalization of fire and EMS services. The body will also act on job descriptions and a hangar lease transfer.
- Transfer of Hangar #15 lease from Cameron Lewis to Willard Hardy Jr.
- Retention bonuses for Knox County Communications Association (KCCA) via ARPA funds
- Revised job descriptions for Communications Director, Dispatch Supervisor, Dispatcher, IT Director, and Technical Support Specialist
- Amendment to the Position Classification & Salary Administration Policy
- Discussion on regionalization of Fire and EMS following a letter from South Thomaston
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission voted unanimously to award a $1,138,878.00 contract to DP Porter Contractors, Inc. for constructing the Airport Operations Facility at Knox County Regional Airport, funded by the CARES Act. Demolition of the current Crew House is scheduled for October 6th, and the new building will provide short-term housing for Islanders, EMS, pilots, and others. Airport Manager Jeremy Shaw noted about $1.1 million in CARES Act funds remains and will prepare a spreadsheet detailing expenditures. The meeting adjourned at 8:37 A.M.
- Approved contract award to DP Porter Contractors, Inc. for $1,138,878.00 for the Airport Operations Facility project
- Scheduled demolition of the current Crew House for October 6th
- Noted new building will be used for short-term housing for Islanders, EMS, pilots, etc.
- Airport Manager to prepare a spreadsheet of CARES Act fund allocations
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission will vote on two CARES Act-funded projects for the Knox County Regional Airport. The body will also establish the 2022 budget process calendar and review essential workers premium pay.
- Award bid for Security Fence & Gate Improvement Project at Knox County Regional Airport to Gordon Contracting for $543,475.00
- Award bid for Runway 13 Safety Area Improvements & Taxiway D Underdrain Project at Knox County Regional Airport to George C. Hall and Sons, Inc. for $398,650.00
- Expenditure of State Forfeiture Funds for Knox County Sheriff’s Office radios
- Approval of 2022 Budget Process Calendar and budget review date
- Discussion of Essential Workers Premium Pay
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission approved all action items, including awarding two CARES Act-funded airport construction contracts totaling $942,125 and approving the 2022 budget process calendar. The commission also tabled a proposal to meet twice monthly until September 14, 2021, and discussed but did not vote on essential workers premium pay.
- Approved $543,475 contract to Gordon Contracting for airport security fence & gate project (unanimous)
- Approved $398,650 contract to George C. Hall and Sons for runway 13 safety area & taxiway underdrain project (unanimous)
- Approved $2,999.21 expenditure of state forfeiture funds for 24 sheriff's office radios (unanimous)
- Approved October 15, 2021 date for 2022 budget review with commission (unanimous)
- Approved 2022 budget process calendar (unanimous)
- Approved list of program grants invited to request 2022 budget funding (unanimous)
- Tabled proposal to meet twice monthly until September 14, 2021 (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The County Commissioners scheduled a special meeting to enter an executive session. The purpose of the session is for consultations with legal counsel.
- Executive Session for consultations with legal counsel pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(E)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission held a special meeting on August 4, 2021, and voted unanimously to enter an executive session for consultations with legal counsel under 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(E). The session lasted from 3:05 P.M. to 4:55 P.M., after which the meeting was adjourned. No substantive decisions were made in open session.
- Entered executive session for legal counsel consultations (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission awarded two airport equipment bids: a tracked excavator to Union Farm Equipment for $118,890 and a 1-ton truck with dump body, plow, and spreader to Fuller Chevrolet for $97,413. Both motions passed unanimously. The commission also discussed an ARPA grant application form, with a request to update one page before distribution, and debated the scope of essential worker premium pay, agreeing to revisit the issue at the August meeting.
- Awarded tracked excavator bid to Union Farm Equipment for $118,890 (unanimous)
- Awarded 1-ton truck bid to Fuller Chevrolet for $97,413 (unanimous)
- Discussed ARPA grant application form; requested update to second page before sending
- Agreed to revisit essential worker premium pay discussion at August meeting
County Commissioners
The Commission will meet to award bids for two pieces of equipment for the Knox County Regional Airport. They will also discuss the approval of an ARPA Grant Application Request Form for local municipalities and non-profit agencies.
- Bid award for a tracked excavator for Knox County Regional Airport
- Bid award for a 1-ton truck with dump body, plow, and solid material spreader for Knox County Regional Airport
- Discussion of ARPA Grant Application Request Form for municipalities and non-profits
County Commissioners
The Commission will hold a public hearing on a Remote Participation Policy and vote on multiple equipment and service contracts. The body is deciding how to allocate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for retention bonuses and affordable housing projects. They will also consider a collective bargaining agreement for the Knox County Communications Association.
- Public hearing and vote to adopt a Remote Participation Policy
- Authorization of up to $70,000 from Dispatch Undesignated Fund Balance for Avtec Console Upgrade
- Acceptance of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for retention bonuses and affordable housing
- Bids for three new Sheriff’s Department vehicles and airport equipment (tracked excavator, compact track loader, and 1-ton truck)
- Bids for snow removal and landscaping maintenance for county facilities through 2024
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission voted 2-1 to approve a retention bonus for certified law enforcement officials, funded through American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. The motion, made by Commissioner Meriwether and seconded by Commissioner Pohlman, also included the Sheriff and Civil Division as essential workers at risk. Commissioner Parent voted against, citing concerns about the recent union contract negotiations. The meeting was held via Zoom and adjourned at 4:05 P.M.
- Approved FOP retention bonus for certified law enforcement officials, funded by ARP, with inclusion of Sheriff and Civil Division (2-1 vote)
- Adjourned the special meeting (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission is holding a special meeting to act on a proposed retention bonus for the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). This bonus would be funded through American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds.
- Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) retention bonus
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission will consider awarding bids for a zero turn mower and a paving project. The body will also act on additional payments for the jail inmate medical contract. Presentations from the Maine Housing Authority and MidCoast Internet Coalition are scheduled.
- Additional payments for Knox County Jail inmate medical contract with QCCH not to exceed $43,200
- Bid award for a zero turn mower for Knox County Regional Airport
- Bid award for Knox County Correctional Facility & Knox County Public Safety Building paving project
- Discussion on APAC's recommendation for airport maintenance equipment
- Updates on HVAC projects for the jail and airport
County Commissioners
The County Commissioners are holding a special meeting to enter an executive session. The purpose of the session is for consultations with legal counsel.
- Executive session for legal counsel consultations pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(E)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission met in a special session via Zoom and voted unanimously to enter an executive session for consultation with legal counsel under 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(E). No substantive decisions were made in open session; the meeting adjourned immediately after the executive session concluded.
- Approved motion to enter executive session for legal counsel consultation (unanimous)
- Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss American Relief Plan funding. The body will also enter executive session to consider the acquisition of real property.
- Discussion of American Relief Plan Funding
- Executive session regarding the acquisition of real property
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission will vote on a corrections officer appointment and a jail HVAC project with Siemens Industry, Inc. The body will also receive updates on HVAC projects at the airport and jail, as well as floor repairs for KCPSB.
- Approval to proceed with Corrections (Jail) HVAC Project with Siemens Industry, Inc.
- Appointment to Penquis Knox County Steering Committee
- Approval of a temporary full-time Corrections Officer for Knox County Corrections
- Update on KCPSB Floor Repair Project
- Update on Airport HVAC Project
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission will hold a regular meeting on April 13, 2021, to act on a series of administrative and financial items, including a collective bargaining agreement with the jail employees' union, several airport-related agreements, and the purchase of a new sheriff's vehicle. They will also discuss updates on building projects and may enter executive session for legal consultation.
- Approve agreement with State of Maine for sharing courthouse space and services
- Approve collective bargaining agreement with National Correctional Employees Union (2021-2023)
- Approve concessionaire agreement with Beacon Drones to lease counter space at airport terminal
- Approve purchase and replacement of 2019 Dodge Durango for Sheriff's Office
- Approve amendment to Beyond the Moon Gift Shop concessionaire fee reduction from 10% to 6% for one year
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission will vote on a Tax Anticipation Note and updates to the Position Classification & Salary Administration Policy. The body is also reviewing janitorial and facilities management contracts for county buildings. Additionally, the commission will decide on an airport HVAC project funded by the CARES Act.
- Award bid for the 2021 Tax Anticipation Note
- Amendment to the Position Classification & Salary Administration Policy
- Janitorial/Custodial contract with Hagan Property Maintenance LLC for Courthouse, Public Safety Building, and Regional Airport
- Facilities Management contract with Hagan Property Maintenance LLC for Courthouse, Public Safety Building, and Jail
- Airport HVAC Project with Siemens Industry, Inc. funded through the CARES Act
County Commissioners
The County Commissioners are convening for a special meeting. The agenda consists of a single item to discuss a personnel matter in executive session.
- Executive session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(A)
County Commissioners
The Knox County Commission held a special meeting via Zoom and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss a personnel matter under Maine law. No substantive decisions were made during the public portion of the meeting.
- Voted unanimously to enter executive session for personnel matter
County Commissioners
The County Commissioners will vote on the 2021 mil rate and the interest rate for delinquent county taxes. The body will also consider a collective bargaining agreement for the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the selection of a construction firm for the Knox County Regional Airport terminal hangar.
- Collective Bargaining Agreement for Fraternal Order of Police Knox County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Lodge 700 (2021-2023)
- Selection of a construction management firm for the Knox County Regional Airport terminal hangar
- Setting the 2021 mil rate
- Setting the 2021 interest rate on delinquent county taxes
- Nominations for 4 seats on the Airport Public Advisory Committee (APAC)
Revised Meeting
The Knox County Commission will elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and representatives to various committees. The body will also consider approving revised job descriptions and receive updates on HVAC projects.
- Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2021
- Election of representatives to CCWI, Union Negotiations, Airport Public Advisory Committee, MCEDD, and Strategic Planning Committee
- Approval of revised job descriptions
- Update on the Jail HVAC Project
- Update on the Airport HVAC Project