By Tammy Wells, Media Specialist with York County Government.

York County residents can weigh in on the proposed $28.6 million York County government budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 at a public hearing set for 6 p.m., June 4, at the York County Government building. The building is located at 149 Jordan Springs Road (Route 4) in Alfred, the county seat.

The York County Budget Committee, on May 14, voted 5-4 to approve the budget and could make adjustments and take another vote after hearing from residents at the public session on June 4. Voting in favor of the budget were members Rebecca Bowley, Danica Briggs, Glenn Dochtermann, Lisa Pratt and James Smith. Voting against were committee chair Marc Lessard, Jonathan Martell, Thomas Small and Susan Wiswell.

The nine-member budget committee approved county commissioners’ request to add $100,000 to the budget for the operation of the York County Food Pantry for the next fiscal year. Long operated by York County Shelter Programs Inc., the pantry, which provides food for a significant number of county residents annually, was targeted to close along with the adult shelter and some other shelter programs, until the nonprofit First County Foundation and York County Government stepped in.

York County residents can weigh in on the proposed $28.6 million York County government budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 at a public hearing set for 6 p.m., June 4, at the York County Government building. The building is located at 149 Jordan Springs Road (Route 4) in Alfred, the county seat.

The York County Budget Committee, on May 14, voted 5-4 to approve the budget and could make adjustments and take another vote after hearing from residents at the public session on June 4. Voting in favor of the budget were members Rebecca Bowley, Danica Briggs, Glenn Dochtermann, Lisa Pratt and James Smith. Voting against were committee chair Marc Lessard, Jonathan Martell, Thomas Small and Susan Wiswell.

The York County Budget Committee has set a hearing on the proposed $28.6 million York County budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m., June 4, at the York County Government building, 149 Jordan Springs Road, Alfred. Photo courtesy of Katherine Derby

The nine-member budget committee approved county commissioners’ request to add $100,000 to the budget for the operation of the York County Food Pantry for the next fiscal year. Long operated by York County Shelter Programs Inc., the pantry, which provides food for a significant number of county residents annually, was targeted to close along with the adult shelter and some other shelter programs, until the nonprofit First County Foundation and York County Government stepped in.

County commissioners approved $25,000 from contingency funds to help the pantry through the end of the current fiscal year and then approached the county budget board for their blessing on the proposed $100,000 allocation.

First County Foundation will oversee the pantry and execute contracts, said County Manager Greg Zinser, with the county government as a contributor to the operation and employer of the pantry coordinator.

Budget committee members voiced varying opinions on the $100,000 proposal.

“I have concerns, property taxes are getting outrageous,” said member Susan Wiswell, calculating that adding $100,000 would cause the county budget increase to be 13.62%, rather than the original 13.23%. She said increased property taxes will create more homelessness, and troubles for those on fixed incomes. Wiswell said many municipalities have food pantries and that she believes in a decentralized model, since transportation to a central location can be an issue.

“This $100,000 is split up between 29 communities; it’s not a lot of money and it is something I think we have a duty to do,” said budget board member Lisa Pratt.

“This is not an argument of not providing food to people,” said Lessard. “The argument is to ensure we are being as frugal as we can with other people’s money.”

Some budget board members sought to reduce the impact of adding $100,000 to the overall spending plan by taking a bit from each department to accommodate the pantry allocation, but in the end, it didn’t happen.

The vote to approve the $100,000 allocation was 6-3, with Bowley, Briggs, Dochtermann, Lessard, Pratt, and Smith in favor, and Wiswell, Martell and Small against.

There were motions to reduce the number of new vehicles at the York County Sheriff’s Office from seven to five and, then, seven to six, but neither gained a majority of votes.

The sheriff’s office has had a vehicle rotation for the last several years, purchasing seven vehicles annually for two years, and six in the third. Sheriff William L. King said the rotation has proved beneficial, and when high-mileage cars are retired from use by deputies, they are moved on for use by the civil division or to other county departments.

A motion by Martell to reduce the number of vacant York County Jail corrections staff positions by 15 failed for lack of a second.

Member Rebecca Bowley asked if the county could require department heads to limit spending if need be to help keep the county’s fund balance at policy levels, and was assured it could.

Zinser said the county last year used about $400,000 less than anticipated, which was returned to the fund balance.

Budget committee members asked about the possibilities of the county government transforming Layman Way, currently a recovery center aimed at non-violent arrestees who would otherwise be incarcerated, into a shelter after it closes June 30. York County Shelter Program Inc.’s closed its adult shelter on May 9. Zinser pointed out there is no money to do so.

Layman Way began in 2018 as an initiative of the county government, which contracted with York County Shelter Programs Inc. to operate the recovery facility. A new 58-bed county recovery center open to people from across York County is poised to open at a date to be announced in 2026. Layman Way stopped taking new clients in December. The 10 or so people now at the facility will have completed the six-month program by the closure date.

Overall, the proposed $28.6 million York County budget reflects increasing personnel and utility costs, new expenses that come with the expected 2026 startup of the training and recovery centers, and some uncertainty in how much the state will contribute to operate Maine’s county jails – including York County Jail. There will be shifts in how the tax burden is spread as a result of increases in municipal valuations as set by the state – up countywide by nearly $7 billion from the prior year.

Those unable to attend the public hearing in person may view it online. A link will be provided at www.yorkcountymaine.gov/budgetcommittee as the June 4 date draws closer.

By Tammy Wells, Media Specialist with York County Government.

As construction continues on the York County Regional First Responder Training Center and the York County Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Center, the county government is looking ahead to opening day — and to making a difference in the lives of residents in York County.

York County Commissioners are looking forward to welcoming folks looking for treatment and recovery from the stranglehold of substance dependency. And they are happy to be providing a centralized location where first responders can get an array of essential training, much closer to home than before.

To help accomplish both missions, and with a forward look to support future endeavors to strengthen communities across the county, First County Foundation, the charitable arm of York County government was established, earning tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in July 2024.

While construction costs are covered through an array of funds — like much of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation, opioid settlements, Congressionally Directed Funding, and grants, like a $300,000 award from the Maine Recovery Council, people who invest in the projects through donations to FCF will help bridge gaps.

“The primary need right now is to outfit the buildings,” said York County Government’s Development Director Rachel Stansfield. “For instance, the training center needs simulators to practice things such as driving emergency vehicles, while the recovery center needs beds, linens, wardrobes and the like. The commercial grade kitchen at the recovery center has a price tag of $500,000,” she said. “The most impactful way donors can contribute to these projects is by giving unrestricted funds, allowing the county and FCF to determine where the greatest need is at any given time.”

By Tammy Wells, Media Specialist with York County Government.

The water line has been brought over from York County Jail to the building site, the foundation for the First Responder Training Center has been poured, sewer piping is complete, and soon, installation of structural steel for the training center will commence.

York County Commissioners learned during a mid-January site tour that if all continues to go well, the training center building project may be complete by the end of this year. The nearby York County Recovery Center project is expected to be completed sometime in 2026. The foundation is slated to be poured in March.

The training center will serve all first responders – firefighters, emergency medical service providers, law enforcement and dispatchers. It is designed to provide timely instruction, in a central location, for those looking to complete mandatory and ongoing training, to those entering a profession, and more.

Darcy Valido, assistant director of operations at Sanford Regional Communications Center, learned her craft in-house, inside the dispatch center. There were also training stints at the Emergency Services Communications Bureau in Augusta, and at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro – the former 94 miles away, the latter, 107 miles from the Sanford communications center.

Valido sees value in having a training center close by the agency where she has worked for 15 years. The Sanford center serves 15 law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical agencies in 11 municipalities. The dispatch center has 22 full-time positions and five reserves.

For her department, the new York County First Responder Training Center would be about five miles away – but even York County’s most far-flung locations are a reasonable distance from the site on Layman Way in Alfred, where earth-moving equipment began preparing the site in mid-October.

Old Orchard Beach first responders would be 21 miles away, York, 27 miles, and Cornish, 34 miles away. And while training close to home is a definite asset for first responders, it isn’t the only one, said Valido.

“We will have more opportunity for unified public safety training with police, fire, EMS, and even other dispatch centers,” she said. “And continuing education is paramount to maintaining and enhancing our skills.”

Wells Police Capp. Kevin Chabot, also chair of the District 1 Training Council, sees the first responder training center as a hub for mandated as well as specialized training – and a draw for those considering their career choices.

“It gives them something to aspire to,” he said. “You know the training will be available as you go on.”

Currently, individual police departments across York County coordinate much of the training for those employed by their departments, inviting others to join them as there is space available. New, uncertified police hires attend the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro for 18 weeks.

And while he said the Maine Criminal Justice Academy does a good job of planning and hosting training sessions for various courses at its Vassalboro base, Chabot noted its distance from many York County departments.

Chabot, who has taught at the academy and at York County Community College, outlined an array of training topics – from escalation techniques to officer wellness, first aid, digital evidence, forensic statement analysis, community policing, cell phone forensics, mental health topics, and more, that could be offered locally.

“We envision the center having specialized type of training … in a regional way so not one agency is expected to bear the burden of hosting it,” said Chabot.

Waterboro Fire Chief Matt Bors, also his community’s town administrator, said a regional training hub for first responders is long overdue.

“While I have not been directly involved, I see the benefits for the local communities, having a state-of-the-art facility and programs nearby will be a significant asset to the departments,” Bors said. “I’m confident that this will increase our capabilities to provide the best possible services to our residents and guests.”

3/3 York County Commissioners Donna Ring and Justin Chenette, County Manager Greg Zinser and Commissioner Richard Clark stand near the foundation of the First Responder Training Center. They toured the site of two county building projects on Jan. 15. The foundation for the 58-bed recovery center will be poured this spring. Contributed / York County Government

York County Fire Administrator Roger Hooper, who has been planning and organizing the First Responder Training Center for the past four years, with input from a committee of first responders, said a centralized location and shared resources where all first responders can learn, and practice are huge assets.

“A facility like this has been a dream for many generations,” said Hooper. He noted it is financed primarily by a portion of York County government’s share of American Rescue Plan Act funding, and other sources.

Congressionally Directed Spending, through Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Angus King, will help outfit the facility with equipment, props, and training aids.

“We’ll host national level classes,” said Hooper. “We’ll provide the standard initial entry training classes as well as specialized training. We’ll be able to do this on a set schedule, and for multiple agencies at one time. Partnering with other training and educational organizations, such as the York County Community College, will enhance educational opportunities.”

Design-build contractors Landry French took York County Commissioners and County Manager Greg Zinser on a tour of the 17-acre Layman Way property on Jan. 15.

“It’s great to see this coming together,” said Commissioner Justin Chenette. “I can see the progress the team is making.”

“I’m pleased to see the progress. It seems to be on track, and I am looking forward to seeing it done,” said Commissioner Richard Clark.

“I am so pleased with the whole project and amazed at how quickly it has come together,” said Commissioner Donna Ring. “I am proud of what the county has accomplished with American Rescue Plan Act funds, very proud.”

Those interested in making a charitable contribution to the recovery center or seeking additional information may contact Chief Advancement Officer Rachel Stansfield, First County Foundation, at restansfield@yorkcountymaine.gov or 207-459-7055.

By Tammy Wells, Media Specialist with York County Government.

York County Commissioners have signed off on a $21.9 million guaranteed maximum price for construction of the York County Substance Use Recovery Center. The five-member board made a unanimous vote on Dec. 18, the last meeting of the 2024 calendar year.

It was a tangible sign that York County government’s commitment to alleviate the grip of opioids and other substances on York County residents who have become dependent is truly underway.

The figure for the 58-bed residential recovery center from design-build contractor Landry French came in higher than initial expectations, but as a maximum projection, it is not cast in stone, and county officials are looking at ways costs could come in under the maximum.

“This could change,” said York County Commission Chair Richard Dutremble of the figure.

The vote is a similar action to the one taken in September for the York County First Responders Training Center, along with site work for both buildings, where the guaranteed maximum price came in at $24 million.

The projects, located off Layman Way, are progressing – foundation work commenced in December.

The projects are funded primarily through American Recovery Plan Act funds, congressionally designated spending, grants, and other sources.

“This entire project surrounds and solves dire needs in York County,” said Jennifer Ouellette, who has worked in behavioral health and the substance use disorder field for 30 years.

“Without county government, something of this magnitude, which stands to have this huge impact, would not be happening,” said Ouellette, the county’s clinical consultant. “There are providers of care in York County, doing great things, but most of the care is scattered about.”

The recovery center will offer a full continuum of care, from detoxification, to short-, mid-, and long-term residential programs, an intensive outpatient program, outpatient counseling, 12-step, peer support, and other self-help opportunities, aftercare, and medication-assisted treatment, and case management.

“By providing compassionate, accessible care, the recovery center will address the root challenges faced by those in crisis and help them transition to healthier, more secure futures,” said Sanford Housing Authority director Diane Small. “SHA will then be able to assist people who have completed their treatment plan into permanent housing. As we often say here at SHA, ‘housing is the answer to everything.’”

According to the October report from Maine Drug Data Hub, a collaboration between state government, the Governor’s Office, and the University of Maine, there were 96 nonfatal overdoses in York County, and six suspected or confirmed overdose fatalities.

In their September report, the drug hub reported 99 nonfatal overdoses and one fatality.

Statewide, from January-October, there were 405 overdose fatalities last year, 21 percent fewer than in 2023.

There were 6,923 nonfatal overdoses during the same period in 2024, 13.5 percent fewer than in the same time period in 2023, according to the Maine Drug Data Hub.

Florida business developer Mark Arcidy, whose ties to York County began with his childhood in Old Orchard Beach and continue today, was an early contributor to the recovery center.

“I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of addiction on individuals and families,” said Arcidy. “I have seen the potential and promise of young lives cut short by the grip of addiction. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that individuals battling substance use disorders have access to the support and resources they need to overcome this epidemic.”

Those interested in making a charitable contribution to the recovery center or seeking additional information may contact York County Development Director Rachel Stansfield, First County Foundation, at restansfield@yorkcountymaine.gov or 207-459-7055.