Knox County public meetings in 2022

Join Budget Meeting (Public Hearing)

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee will hold a joint meeting and public hearing on the proposed 2023 county budget. The Budget Committee will vote to approve the budget and transmit it to the Commission, which will then vote to adopt it.

• Public hearing on the 2023 proposed Knox County budget
• Budget Committee vote to approve the 2023 budget and transmit to Commission
• Commission vote to approve the 2023 budget

Public Hearing - Final Vote

The Knox County Commission approved the 2023 budget despite the Budget Committee voting against it. The approved budget has a total amount of $17,576,157 and a net amount of $11,317,348.

• Approved 2023 Budget total of $17,576,157 and net of $11,317,348 (2-0)
• Budget Committee motion to approve 2023 Budget failed (3-4)
• Budget Committee second motion to override Commission approval failed (3-4)
• Approved minutes of November 22, 2022 Budget Review Meeting

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission approved several vehicle purchases and a major airport project. The board also updated personnel policies and appointed members to regional committees.

• Awarded $417,000 contract to Hawke’s Tree Service for airport obstruction removal
• Approved $47,605 bid to O’ Conner’s for EMA truck
• Approved $39,529 bid to Charlie’s Toyota for Correctional Facility van
• Approved charging $806.16 in interest to Camden, North Haven, and Thomaston for late dispatch fees
• Appointed Chris Rector to Penquis Knox County Steering Committee
• Approved 2023 County of Knox Personnel Policy Handbook
• Approved amendment to Position Classification & Salary Administration Policy
• Reappointed Chris Farley, Patrick Polky, and Amy Drinkwater to KRCC Executive Board

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission will vote on several bids, including a new truck for emergency management, a van for the correctional facility, and an obstruction removal project at the regional airport. They will also set interest on late dispatch fees, approve the 2023 personnel policy handbook, and make appointments to committees.

• Award bid for new truck for Knox County Emergency Management Agency
• Award bid for new van for Knox County Correctional Facility
• Award bid for obstruction removal project at Knox County Regional Airport
• Set interest rate on 2022 dispatch fees paid late by municipalities
• Approve 2023 County of Knox Personnel Policy Handbook

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission held a special meeting to determine the Sheriff's compensation. The commission voted to establish the base salary for the Sheriff at $120,000.00.

• Set base salary for the Sheriff at $120,000.00 (2-1)

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commissioners will meet in executive session to discuss a personnel matter, then vote to set the base salary for the Sheriff.

• Executive session under 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(A) for a personnel matter
• Action item to vote on setting the Sheriff's base salary

Joint Budget Meeting

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee will hold a joint meeting to review remaining budget items including Knox County Community Health Coalition, Penquis, Finance, County Administration & IT, Debt Service & Insurance, and ARPA funds. The meeting will conclude with a final vote on all departmental budgets in preparation for a public hearing.

• Final vote on all 2023 departmental budgets
• Review of Waldo Community Action Partners (WCAP)
• Review of Penquis
• Review of Finance, County Administration & IT, and Debt Service & Insurance
• Review of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds

Joint Commission Budget Committee Review Meeting

The Joint Commission and Budget Committee conducted a series of straw votes on proposed 2023 departmental budgets in preparation for a public hearing. Most recommendations were approved, though a funding request from Penquis was denied. Final votes on the 2023 budget are scheduled for December 15, 2022.

• Approved $5,000 budget recommendation for Waldo Community Action Partners (WCAP)
• Denied $143,634 budget recommendation for Penquis
• Approved $344,699 budget recommendation for Finance
• Approved $734,785 budget recommendation for County Administration & IT
• Approved $192,531 for Debt Services and $70,535 for Insurance
• Approved $608,704 for ARPA and LATCF 2023 budget recommendation
• Approved $1,855,000 for Airport Projects
• Approved minutes from the November 17, 2022 meeting

Joint Budget Meeting

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee will hold a joint meeting to review budget requests from several county agencies and departments, including the Cooperative Extension, Soil & Water District, and building maintenance. The meeting includes public comment and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Review of Knox-Lincoln Cooperative Extension budget (page 27)
• Review of Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water District budget (page 27)
• Review of Midcoast Council of Governments (MCOG) budget (page 27)
• Review of Knox County Mutual Aid Association budget (page 27)
• Review of Building Maintenance budgets for Courthouse (pages 12-13) and KCPSB (page 14)

Joint Commission Budget Committee Joint Meeting Public Hearing

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee conducted straw votes to recommend funding for several agencies and building maintenance. They also approved using ARPA funds for courthouse masonry, a new phone system, and HVAC upgrades. All budget votes are non-binding until the final vote on December 15, 2022.

• Straw vote approved $52,280 for Knox-Lincoln Cooperative Extension (Budget Committee 9-0, Commission 3-0)
• Straw vote approved $31,740 for Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water District (Budget Committee 9-0, Commission 3-0)
• Straw vote approved $51,355 for Midcoast Council of Governments (Budget Committee 9-0, Commission 3-0)
• Straw vote approved $9,000 for Knox County Mutual Aid Association (Budget Committee 9-0, Commission 3-0)
• Straw vote approved $435,420 for Courthouse Building Maintenance (Budget Committee 9-0, Commission 3-0)
• Straw vote approved $105,001 for KCPSB Building Maintenance (Budget Committee 8-1, Commission 3-0)
• Approved $114,550 for Courthouse Masonry via ARPA funds (Budget Committee 9-0, Commission 3-0)
• Approved $55,390 for new phone system and $175,000 for HVAC upgrade via ARPA funds (Budget Committee 9-0, Commission 3-0)

Joint Budget Meeting

The Knox County Budget Committee and County Commission are holding a joint meeting to review budget items for the Emergency Management Agency, Communications, Airport Security, and Airport & Airport Projects. The meeting includes public comment and approval of minutes from a prior session.

• Review of Emergency Management Agency budget (pages 19-20)
• Review of Communications budget (pages 35-38)
• Review of Airport Security budget (page 31)
• Review of Airport & Airport Projects budget (pages 28-30 & page 9)

Joint Commission Budget Committee Joint Meeting Public Hearing

The Budget Committee and County Commission reviewed and approved budget recommendations for several departments. The Emergency Management Agency budget was approved at $225,057, while other reviewed sections were approved at $0 recommendations. Discussions focused on staffing shortages in communications and upcoming airport revenue projects.

• Approved $225,057 EMA budget recommendation (Budget Committee: 4-1-1; Commission: 3-0-0)
• Approved $0 Communications budget recommendation (Budget Committee: 5-0-1; Commission: 3-0-0)
• Approved $0 Airport Security budget recommendation (Budget Committee: 5-0-1; Commission: 3-0-0)
• Approved $0 Airport & Airport Projects budget recommendation (Budget Committee: 6-0-0; Commission: 3-0-0)
• Approved $0 Airport Projects budget recommendation (Budget Committee: 5-0-1; Commission: 3-0-0)
• Tabled approval of November 3, 2022 minutes until November 17 meeting

County Commissioners

The Commission approved the purchase of the Benner Lane Hangar Complex and authorized several airport lease transfers. The board also approved a pretrial services contract and a new HR manager job description. Bids for a new Emergency Management Agency truck were rejected to allow for a trade-in option.

• Authorized $750,000 payment to Owls Head Transportation Museum for Benner Lane Hangars
• Approved transfer of Hangar #5 lease from Cantwell Clark V to James Peffley
• Approved transfer of Hangar #15 lease from Willard Hardy Jr. to Cantwell Clark V
• Rejected all bids for new EMA truck to resend RFP including a trade-in
• Approved 6-month contract with Maine Pretrial Services
• Approved job description for a Human Resources Manager
• Reappointed Marian Robinson, Wesley Robinson, and Tammy Brown to Board of Assessment Review
• Appointed Commissioner Pohlman as Director for MCCA and MCCA Risk Management Pool

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission will consider several action items, including the purchase of the Benner Lane hangars for $750,000 from the Owls Head Transportation Museum, approval of a new truck for the Emergency Management Agency, and a six-month contract with Maine Pretrial Services. The meeting also includes discussion of a solar project at the airport and updates on other county projects.

• Approve $750,000 purchase of Benner Lane hangars from Owls Head Transportation Museum
• Approve transfer of hangar leases: Hangar #5 from Cantwell Clark V to James Peffley; Hangar #15 from Willard Hardy Jr. to Cantwell Clark V
• Award bid for a new truck for Knox County Emergency Management Agency
• Approve six-month contract with Maine Pretrial Services for pretrial and diversion services
• Discussion of solar project at the airport

Joint 2022

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee will hold a joint meeting to vote on the 2022 amended budget and hear the proposed 2023 budget. The meeting includes public hearings on both budgets, election of budget committee officers, and review of specific county departments including the Sheriff's Office, District Attorney, and Registry of Deeds.

• Vote to approve the 2022 amended budget and transmit to Commission
• Public hearing on the proposed 2023 Knox County budget
• Election of Budget Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Presentation of the proposed 2023 budget by County Administrator Andrew Hart
• Budget review of Sheriff's Office (Jail and Patrol divisions), Probate, Registry of Deeds, District Attorney, and Restorative Justice Project

Joint 2022 Amended_Budget_Mtg._(Public Hearing Final Vote) Joint 2023 Budget Mtg

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee will meet jointly to hold public hearings and vote on the amended 2022 budget, then hear a presentation on the proposed 2023 budget. The meeting includes election of budget committee officers and review of specific departmental budgets including Probate, Registry of Deeds, District Attorney, Restorative Justice Project, and Sheriff's Office divisions.

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission held a special meeting to discuss a personnel matter in executive session. The commission decided to postpone the vote regarding the Sheriff's base salary to a future date.

• Tabled the act to vote to set the base salary for the Sheriff (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission is holding a special hybrid meeting to discuss and vote on setting the base salary for the Sheriff. The meeting includes an executive session for a personnel matter before the public vote.

• Executive session to discuss a personnel matter under state law
• Vote to set the base salary for the Sheriff

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission is holding a special meeting to discuss the draft of the 2023 county budget. This item is listed for discussion only.

• Review of the 2023 Knox County Budget Draft

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission will meet to vote on several action items including airport infrastructure and personnel changes. Discussion includes updates on the correctional facility HVAC project.

• Award bid for Knox County Regional Airport Hangar Taxilane Phase 2 to Sitewerx, Inc. for $1,687,475.00
• Authorize purchase and sales agreement for 32 Benner Lane Hangar Complex for $750,000.00
• Award bid for a new Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) for Knox County Regional Airport
• Authorize a new hangar lease at the Knox County Airport for Penobscot Island Air
• Approve job descriptions for Administrative Assistant to the Sheriff, Civil Process Supervisor, and Jail Diversion Deputy

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission awarded a $1,687,475.00 bid to Sitewerx, Inc. for Hangar Taxilane Phase 2 at the Knox County Regional Airport, though the contract is not authorized until an appeal is resolved. The commission also approved a new hangar lease for Penobscot Island Air, authorized the purchase of a hangar complex for $750,000, and awarded a $19,390 bid for a utility task vehicle. Additionally, the commission approved revised job descriptions for the Sheriff's Office and a new Jail Diversion Deputy position.

• Awarded $1,687,475.00 bid to Sitewerx, Inc. for Hangar Taxilane Phase 2 at Knox County Regional Airport (contract pending appeal resolution).
• Authorized County Administrator to sign purchase and sales agreement for 32 Benner Lane hangar complex from Owls Head Transportation Museum for $750,000.
• Approved and authorized chair to sign new hangar lease at Knox County Regional Airport for Penobscot Island Air.
• Awarded $19,390.00 bid to Union Farm Equipment for a new Utility Task Vehicle for the airport.
• Approved revised job description for Administrative Assistant to the Sheriff.
• Approved job description for a Civil Process Supervisor.
• Approved job description for a Jail Diversion Deputy.
• Approved consent items including minutes of September 13, September 20, and October 4, 2022 meetings, monthly reports, warrants, and reserve withdrawals.

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission held a special meeting via Zoom and convened in executive session to discuss a personnel matter under state law. No substantive decisions were made during the public portion of the meeting, which consisted only of the executive session and adjournment.

• Approved motion to convene in executive session for personnel matter (3-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (2-0)

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission is holding a special meeting conducted remotely via Zoom. The primary purpose of the meeting is to enter executive session for consultations with legal counsel.

• Executive session for consultations with legal counsel pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(E)

Joint 2022

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are meeting to hold a public hearing on the 2022 Proposed Amended Knox County Budget. The bodies will vote to approve the amended budget and conduct a quarterly budget review through August 2022.

• Public hearing on the 2022 Proposed Amended Knox County Budget
• Budget Committee vote to approve 2022 Amended Budget
• Commission vote to approve 2022 Amended Budget
• Quarterly budget review of 2022 year-to-date figures through August 2022
• Review of projects and calendar for the 2023 budget process

Joint Commission Budget Committee_Review Meeting (Public Hearing)

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee jointly approved the amended 2022 budget, which reallocates $600,000 for the Benner Lane Hangar purchase from CARES Act funds to the Undesignated Fund Balance, allowing proceeds from future hangar sales to be retained. The total budget amount remains unchanged. The public hearing had no comments. The committee also reviewed year-to-date finances and discussed 2023 projects.

• Approved minutes of May 17, 2022 supplemental budget hearing (all in favor)
• Approved 2022 amended budget, transmitting to Commission (all in favor)
• Approved 2022 amended budget (Commission vote, all in favor)
• Agreed to hold future budget meetings in person

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission convened a special meeting on September 20, 2022, primarily to hold an executive session for consultation with legal counsel regarding a personnel matter. No other substantive decisions were made, and the meeting adjourned after the closed session.

• Approved motion to convene in executive session for personnel matter (3-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn (2-0)

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission is holding a special meeting conducted remotely via Zoom. The primary purpose of the meeting is to enter executive session 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 is meeting to decide on the purchase of a hangar complex and the award of a bid for audit services. Members will also consider funding for insurance and maintenance at a training facility in St. George. The meeting includes a presentation of the 2021 county audit.

• Purchase and Sales Agreement for 32 Benner Lane Hangar Complex for $750,000
• Award of bid for audit services
• Funding for insurance and maintenance costs for the Knox County Mutual Aid Association training facility in St. George
• New hangar lease at Knox County Airport for Penobscot Island Air
• Presentation of the Knox County Audit for the year ending December 31, 2021

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission voted unanimously to table a $750,000 purchase of the 32 Benner Lane hangar complex from the Owls Head Transportation Museum until the October meeting, after public comment and commissioner concerns about expanding the airport footprint. The commission also approved $9,000 in funding for insurance and maintenance of a training facility in St. George, and authorized a new hangar lease for Penobscot Island Air.

• Tabled $750,000 purchase of 32 Benner Lane hangar complex until October meeting (unanimous)
• Approved $9,000 for Knox County Mutual Aid Association training facility insurance and maintenance (unanimous)
• Authorized new hangar lease at Knox County Airport for Penobscot Island Air (unanimous)
• Approved consent items including August 2022 minutes, warrants ($1,893,529.91), and reserve withdrawal ($88,154.00) (unanimous)
• Tabled award of audit services bid (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission will hold a special meeting on August 30, 2023. The agenda includes a public comment period and an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

• Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(A)

County Commissioners

The Commission will consider several action items including a lease agreement for space at the Airport Operation Facility and a bid for a new Sheriff’s Department vessel. The meeting also includes updates on the Correctional Facility HVAC project and the 2023 budget process.

• Lease agreement between Knox County and Stantec for space at 10 Benner Lane
• Bid award for a new boat/vessel for the Sheriff’s Department
• Approval of the 2023 Budget Process Calendar
• List of program grants to be invited to request 2023 budget funding
• Update on the Correctional Facility HVAC Project

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission unanimously approved a $269,376 bid from Silver Ships for a new sheriff's department patrol boat, funded by ARPA funds. They also approved a lease agreement with Stantec for airport space, set the 2023 budget review date and calendar, and approved the list of program grants to be invited for 2023 budget funding. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved lease agreement with Stantec for airport facility space at 10 Benner Lane (unanimous)
• Awarded $269,376 boat bid to Silver Ships for Sheriff's Department (unanimous)
• Set 2023 budget review with Commission for October 14, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 budget process calendar (unanimous)
• Approved list of program grants to be invited for 2023 budget funding (unanimous)
• Approved consent items including July 2022 warrants of $2,319,840.01 and reserve withdrawal of $723.00 (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission voted unanimously to authorize the Chair and Airport Manager to finalize and sign Essential Air Service (EAS) recommendation letters in favor of Cape Air for the Knox County Regional Airport, to be submitted to the US DOT. The Commission also voted to award the solar energy electric generating facility development services bid based on APAC recommendations, and confirmed Zachary Greene as the new Information Technology Director. The meeting included an executive session on a personnel matter.

• Authorized Chair and Airport Manager to finalize and sign EAS recommendation letters in favor of Cape Air (2-0)
• Awarded bid for solar energy electric generating facility development services based on APAC recommendations (2-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Zachary Greene as Information Technology Director (2-0)
• Convened executive session to discuss a personnel matter (2-0)

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission will review Essential Air Service proposals for the Knox County Regional Airport. The meeting also includes a bid award for solar energy facility services and an appointment confirmation.

• Review of Boutique Air EAS Proposal
• Authorization of EAS recommendation letters to US DOT for Knox County Regional Airport
• Awarding of bid for Solar Energy Electric Generating Facility Development Services
• Confirmation of the Information Technology Director appointment

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission held a regular meeting via Zoom, hearing presentations from Southern Airways and Cape Air on their Essential Air Service (EAS) proposals for the Knox County Regional Airport; Boutique Air did not attend. The Commission approved consent items including the June 2022 warrant authorization of $1,738,173.25 and a reserve withdrawal of $10,782.39, both unanimously. They also approved the appointment of T.J. Copeland to the Airport Public Advisory Committee and authorized the transfer of Hangar #51 lease from Jeremy and Kathleen Shaw to Katie Elizabeth Oldakowski. No final EAS decision was made; the Commission will review public comments and authorize recommendation letters at the August 9, 2022 meeting.

• Approved consent items 1-4 as amended (unanimous)
• Approved June 2022 warrant authorization of $1,738,173.25 (unanimous)
• Approved June 2022 reserve withdrawal of $10,782.39 (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of T.J. Copeland to APAC for 3-year term through 2025 (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair to execute Hangar #51 lease transfer to Katie Elizabeth Oldakowski (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission will hear presentations regarding EAS proposals from Boutique Air, Southern Airways Express, and Cape Air. The meeting also includes action items for an airport committee appointment and a hangar lease transfer.

• Boutique Air EAS Proposal presentation
• Southern Airways Express EAS Proposal presentation
• Cape Air EAS Proposal presentation
• Appointment to the Airport Public Advisory Committee (APAC)
• Transfer of Hangar # 51 Lease from Jeremy and Kathleen Shaw to Katie Elizabeth Oldakowski

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission confirmed Candice Richards as the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director by a 2-1 vote. The commission postponed to a future date a decision on authorizing the County Administrator to sign a purchase and sales agreement for the Benner Lane hangars and to hire an engineer for a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19 concerns.

• Confirmed Candice Richards as EMA Director (2-1)
• Postponed authorizing County Administrator to sign Benner Lane hangars purchase agreement and hire engineer for Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission will meet remotely via Zoom to conduct business. The agenda includes confirming the Emergency Management Agency Director and authorizing a purchase agreement for the Benner Lane Hangars.

• Confirm the appointment of the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director
• Authorize purchase and sales agreement for the Benner Lane Hangars
• Hire an engineer for a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission approved several airport-related actions, including transferring hangar leases, signing new leases, and authorizing the identification of excess airport properties for return to municipal tax rolls. They also awarded bids for three new Sheriff's Department vehicles, approved an amended fee schedule for public information requests, and approved a proposed county line map with Waldo County. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved transfer of Hangar #36 lease from Robyn Campbell to Penobscot Island Air (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Hangar #31 lease from Robyn Campbell to Mark Miller (unanimous)
• Approved new hangar land lease for Dan Dufault d/b/a Maine Seaplanes LLC (unanimous)
• Approved lease agreement with Penobscot Island Air for space at 10 Benner Lane (unanimous)
• Authorized identification of excess airport properties to return to tax rolls (unanimous)
• Awarded bids for three Sheriff's Department vehicles, not to exceed $200,000 (unanimous)
• Approved amended fee schedule in Public Information Policy (unanimous)
• Approved proposed Knox/Waldo County line map (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission is meeting to approve several hangar lease transfers and new agreements at the Knox County Regional Airport. The body will also act on vehicle bids for the Sheriff's Department and a revised public information fee schedule.

• Transfer of Hangar #36 lease to Penobscot Island Air
• Transfer of Hangar #31 lease to Mark Miller
• New hangar land lease for Dan Dufault d/b/a Maine Seaplanes LLC
• Bids for three new Sheriff's Department vehicles
• Purchase and Sales Agreement for Benner Lane Hangars

Public Hearing - Final Vote

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee held a joint public hearing and voted to approve the amended 2022 county budget. The budget includes $6,427,197 in expenses and revenues for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and $5,687,472 for Airport CARES and Airport Improvement Projects, both with a net of $0. The Budget Committee approved the budget 6-1, with Randy Stearns voting against, and the Commission approved it unanimously (2-0).

• Approved amended 2022 Knox County budget with ARPA funds ($6,427,197) and airport funds ($5,687,472) (Budget Committee 6-1, Commission 2-0)
• Approved minutes of April 28, 2022 joint meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 17, 2022 joint meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:16 P.M. (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission approved all consent items, including the April 2022 warrant authorization of $1,506,221.49 and reserve withdrawals totaling $59,847.75. They also approved transferring hangar leases at the airport, a new concessionaire agreement for Cluck & Burger, and revised job descriptions for the Victim Witness Advocate and EMA Director. The meeting included an executive session for real property acquisition and legal consultation.

• Approved consent items including April 2022 warrant authorization of $1,506,221.49 (unanimous)
• Approved reserve withdrawal for Feb-Mar 2022 of $11,370.00 (unanimous)
• Approved reserve withdrawal for April 2022 of $48,477.75 (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Hangar #43 lease from Daggett to Richard (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Hangar #45 lease from Dufault to Daggett (unanimous)
• Approved concessionaire agreement with Matthew Stilphen d/b/a Cluck & Burger @ Terminal A (unanimous)
• Approved revised job descriptions for Victim Witness Advocate and EMA Director (unanimous)
• Convened executive session for real property acquisition and legal consultation (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Commission will consider several lease assignments for airport hangars and a new restaurant concessionaire agreement. The meeting also includes progress updates on HVAC and paving projects at county facilities.

• Transfer of Hangar #43 lease from Keith and Dawn Daggett to Daniel D. Richard
• Transfer of Hangar #45 lease from Dan Dufault to Keith and Dawn Daggett
• Concessionaire agreement for Matthew Stilphen, d/b/a Cluck & Burger @ Terminal A
• Revised job descriptions for Victim Witness Advocate and EMA Director
• Updates on KCPSB floor repair, airport HVAC, correctional facility HVAC, and paving projects

Joint Supplemental

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are meeting to conduct a supplemental budget review. The agenda includes a final vote on various ARPA projects involving municipalities, non-profits, county departments, and airport projects.

• Review of ARPA Projects for Municipalities & Non-Profits and Knox County Departments
• Final vote on all ARPA Projects in preparation for Public Hearing
• Airport CARES Act & AIP Projects

Joint Supplemental Budget Meeting

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee jointly approved a supplemental budget allocating approximately $6.7 million in ARPA funds to various county departments, municipalities, and non-profits. Notable approvals included $1.8 million for the Knox County Homeless Coalition, $962,060 in employee stipends, and $840,000 for corrections doors. Requests for Isle au Haut affordable housing ($175,000) and Town of Union ambulance ($275,000) were denied. The meeting also set aside $200,000 for administrative, legal, and audit costs, and approved $5.655 million for airport CARES/AIP projects.

• Approved $962,060 in stipends for Knox County employees (Budget Committee 6-0, Commission 2-1)
• Approved $1.8M for Knox County Homeless Coalition affordable housing (Budget Committee 6-0, Commission 3-0)
• Denied $175,000 for Isle au Haut affordable housing (Budget Committee 0-6, Commission 1-2)
• Denied $275,000 for Town of Union ambulance (Budget Committee 0-6, Commission 0-3)
• Approved $840,000 for 84 doors at Corrections (Budget Committee 6-0, Commission 3-0)
• Approved $300,000 for Sheriff's watercraft (Budget Committee 6-0, Commission 3-0)
• Approved $200,000 for ARPA administrative, legal, and audit costs (Budget Committee 5-0, Commission 3-0)
• Approved $5.655M for airport CARES/AIP projects (Budget Committee 4-0, Commission 3-0)

Joint Supplemental

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are meeting jointly to conduct a supplemental budget review. The agenda includes an appointment for the District 3 Budget Committee seat and a final vote on various ARPA projects.

• Appointment of District 3 Budget Committee seat
• Review of ARPA Projects for Municipalities, Non-Profits, and Knox County Departments
• Final vote on ARPA Projects
• Airport CARES Act & AIP Projects

County Commissioners

The Commission will consider several action items including a collective bargaining agreement and airport-related bids. Discussion topics include cybersecurity, floor repairs, and HVAC projects at the airport and correctional facility.

• Approve Collective Bargaining Agreement for Knox County Communications Association (Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2022)
• Award bid for Hangar Taxilane Phase 1 Electrical Service Project to Hedstrom Electric for $275,950
• Award bid for the 2022 Tax Anticipation Note
• Approve lease assignment for Hangar #5 from Augustus Lookner to Cantwell Clark V
• Approve appointments and revised by-laws for the Airport Public Advisory Committee (APAC)

County Commissioners

The County Commissioners are convening for a special meeting. The session is dedicated to discussing 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 with two of three commissioners present. They voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss a personnel matter under state law, which lasted from 1:02 to 2:14 P.M. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Voted unanimously to enter executive session for personnel discussion (2-0)

Joint Supplemental

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are meeting to conduct a supplemental budget review. The agenda includes a review of ARPA projects for municipalities, non-profits, and county departments, followed by a final vote on these projects and airport CARES Act/AIP projects.

• Review of ARPA Projects – Municipalities & Non-Profits and Knox County Departmental List
• Final vote on all ARPA Projects (Municipalities, Non-Profits, and County Departments)
• Final vote on Airport CARES Act & AIP Projects

Joint Supplemental

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee will hold a joint remote meeting to review supplemental and amended budget items, including further discussion of ARPA projects for municipalities, non-profits, and county departments. The meeting will also include public comment and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Review of ARPA projects for municipalities and non-profits
• Review of Knox County departmental ARPA project list
• Approval of minutes from February 17 and March 3, 2022 budget meetings
• Remote meeting via Zoom due to COVID-19 Omicron variant

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission approved several action items, including deputy services contracts for North Haven and Vinalhaven, the sale of a 2014 Ford Explorer to EMA for $10,500, a transfer to reserves of $185,672, and rejoining the Maine Public Employees Retirement System for dispatch employees. The commission also voted to continue remote meetings. A proposed Airport Hazardous Conditions Compensation Program was denied.

• Approved North Haven Deputy Services Contract for 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved Vinalhaven Deputy Services Contract for 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved sale of 2014 Ford Explorer to EMA for $10,500 (unanimous)
• Approved transfer to reserves from 2021 budget of $185,672 (unanimous)
• Approved rejoining MPERS for dispatch employees effective July 1, 2022 (unanimous)
• Denied Knox County Airport Hazardous Conditions Compensation Program (0-3)
• Approved continuing remote meetings (unanimous)

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission will consider deputy services contracts for North Haven and Vinalhaven. The body will also vote on a $186,846 transfer to reserves and the sale of a 2014 Ford Explorer. Members will discuss whether to continue holding remote meetings.

• North Haven Deputy Services Contract (Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022)
• Vinalhaven Deputy Services Contract (Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022)
• Transfer to Reserves from 2021 Budget of $186,846
• Sale of 2014 Ford Explorer AWD from Sheriff’s Office to EMA
• Rejoining Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MPERS) for KRCC employees

Joint Supplemental Budget Meeting

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee held a joint supplemental budget meeting to hear presentations from seven municipal and nonprofit agencies requesting American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. No final funding decisions were made; the committee will deliberate and vote at the March 17, 2022 meeting. The county has approximately $7.2 million available for new projects after accounting for $489,000 already committed in 2021.

• Approved amended minutes of February 3, 2022 supplemental budget meeting (all in favor, Barry Norris abstained)
• Deferred approval of February 17, 2022 minutes to March 17, 2022 agenda
• Heard presentations from seven agencies: Come Spring Food Pantry, Isle au Haut, Knox County Homeless Coalition, MCH Meals on Wheels, SASSMM, Knox Clinic, and Town of Union ambulance
• No final votes taken on ARPA funding requests; decisions deferred to March 17, 2022 meeting

Joint Supplemental

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are meeting via Zoom to conduct a supplemental and amended budget review. The agenda includes presentations from seven municipal and non-profit agencies and a review of ARPA projects.

• Presentation by seven municipal and non-profit agencies
• Review of ARPA projects for municipalities, non-profits, and Knox County departments
• Approval of February 3 and February 17, 2022, meeting minutes

Joint Supplemental Budget Meeting

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee held a joint supplemental budget meeting to review ARPA project requests. The Commission voted to keep several items on the ARPA list that the Budget Committee had rejected, including a Discharge Planner, Diversion Deputy, and Community Liaison Officer. The Budget Committee and Commission agreed to schedule further ARPA meetings for March 3, 17, and 31, and to invite seven municipal/nonprofit groups to speak at the next meeting.

• Approved minutes of January 20, 2022 meeting (Budget Committee 5-0, Gallant abstained; Commission unanimous)
• Kept $6,050 PPE request on ARPA list (Commission 3-0; Budget Committee tied 3-3)
• Removed $175,900 Courthouse HVAC request from ARPA list (no votes in favor)
• Removed $39,000 Corrections water items from ARPA list (no votes in favor)
• Kept $68,625 Discharge Planner on ARPA list (Commission 3-0; Budget Committee 0-6 against)
• Kept $73,511 Diversion Deputy on ARPA list (Commission 3-0; Budget Committee 0-6 against)
• Kept $90,000 Community Liaison Officer on ARPA list (Commission 3-0; Budget Committee 1-5 against)
• Scheduled ARPA meetings for March 3, 17, and 31 (Budget Committee motion passed unanimously)

Joint Supplemental

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are holding a joint meeting to conduct further reviews of ARPA projects. The discussion focuses on project lists for county departments, municipalities, and non-profits.

• Review of ARPA Projects – Knox County Departmental List
• Review of ARPA Projects – Municipalities & Non-Profits

County Commissioners

The Commission will vote on several action items including setting the 2022 mil rate and interest rate on delinquent taxes. Other actions include approving state forfeiture funds for Sheriff's Office accreditation and awarding a bid for an airport security vehicle.

• $3,750.00 for Sheriff’s Office professional services for MLEAP accreditation
• Bid award for one new Sheriff’s Office Airport Security Unit vehicle
• Nominations for three seats on the Airport Public Advisory Committee (APAC)
• Master Settlement Agreements for nationwide opioid litigation
• Setting the 2022 mil rate and interest rate on delinquent county taxes

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission approved the 2022 mil rate at 0.0010865807, authorized the County Administrator to sign opioid settlement agreements, and awarded a bid for a new Sheriff's Office vehicle. They also approved consent items including warrants and reserve withdrawals, and set the delinquent tax interest rate at 4%.

• Approved 2022 mil rate at 0.0010865807 (unanimous)
• Authorized County Administrator to sign opioid settlement agreements (unanimous)
• Awarded bid for 2022 GMC Sierra for Sheriff's Office Airport Security Unit at $42,615.00 (unanimous)
• Approved $3,750 expenditure from State Forfeiture Funds for MLEAP accreditation (unanimous)
• Approved warrant authorization for January 2022 effective December 2021 at $1,186,982.15 (unanimous)
• Approved warrant authorization for January 2022 at $949,239.11 (unanimous)
• Approved reserve withdrawals for January 2022 at $41,707.25 and $2,616.80 (unanimous)
• Set interest rate on delinquent county taxes for 2022 at 4% (unanimous)

Joint Supplemental Budget Meeting

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee held a joint supplemental budget meeting to review ARPA-funded requests. They discussed using funds for employee stipends, jail HVAC and dishwasher replacements, and voted to keep or remove items from the list. No final approvals were made; items were moved forward for further consideration.

• Approved minutes of Dec 16, 2021 budget hearing (unanimous)
• Kept $300,000 microwave for Dispatch on ARPA list (7-0 committee, 2-0 commission)
• Kept $20,000 hazmat decontamination tent for EMA on ARPA list (7-0 committee, 2-0 commission)
• Kept $500 match for municipal EMA director stipends (7-0 committee, 1-0-1 commission)
• Removed $600/person essential private sector worker stipend (0-5 committee, 1-0-1 commission)

Joint Supplemental

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are meeting to review a supplemental and amended budget. The discussion includes a departmental list of projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

• Review of ARPA Projects – Knox County Departmental List
• Approval of minutes from the December 16, 2021, Budget Public Hearing/Final Vote

Joint Supplemental Budget Meeting

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee held a joint supplemental budget meeting to review ARPA and Airport CARES Act funding. They unanimously approved the Airport CARES Act & AIP projects. For ARPA projects, the Budget Committee voted to keep seven items on the list (Come Spring Food Pantry, Isle au Haut Affordable Housing, Knox County Homeless Coalition, MCH Inc., Sexual Assault Support Services, Town of Thomaston, Town of Union) and removed five (Rockport Broadband, Hurricane Island, Isle au Haut Solid Waste, Vinalhaven Workforce Housing, Volunteers of America). No final dollar amounts were approved.

• Approved Airport CARES Act & AIP projects (Budget Committee 6-0, Commission 3-0)
• Kept Come Spring Food Pantry request on ARPA list (4-0, 2 maybe)
• Kept Isle au Haut Affordable Housing request (3-0, 2 maybe)
• Kept Knox County Homeless Coalition request (5-0)
• Kept MCH Inc. request (5-0)
• Kept Sexual Assault Support Services request (4-1)
• Kept Town of Thomaston request (5-0)
• Kept Town of Union ambulance request (4-1)

Joint Supplemental Budget Meeting

The Knox County Commission and Budget Committee are meeting to review the supplemental budget. The discussion focuses on funding for airport projects and ARPA grants for municipalities and non-profits.

• Airport CARES ACT & AIP Projects
• ARPA Projects for Municipalities & Non-Profits

County Commissioners

The Knox County Commission approved the purchase of four vehicles for the Sheriff's Department from Quirk Chevrolet GMC and Rockland Ford, totaling $139,222 after trade-in. They also approved charging the Town of Owls Head $39.72 in interest for late dispatch fees, and approved consent items including warrants and reserve withdrawals. A proposal to purchase a Meeting Owl device for meetings was discussed but no motion was made, so it did not pass. The commission also discussed providing health benefits to commissioners, with no action taken due to lack of 2022 budget funding.

• Approved $139,222 for four Sheriff's Department vehicles (3-0)
• Approved charging Town of Owls Head $39.72 interest for late dispatch fees (3-0)
• Approved consent items including minutes and departmental reports (3-0)
• Approved warrant authorization for April 2021 in amount of $1,173,666.57 (3-0)
• Approved reserve withdrawal authorization for April 2021 in amount of $128,760.00 (3-0)
• Meeting Owl purchase motion failed (no motion made)
• Elected officers and representatives for 2022 (3-0)