Minutes - Board of Commissioners

27 Northport Dr

Portland, ME 04103

Cumberland County

Board of Commissioners

Meeting Minutes - Final

The Board meets on the third Monday of each month at 5:30pm in the Sebago Lake Room

unless otherwise noted.

Monday, June 15, 2026

5:30 PM

Sebago Meeting Room

27 Northport Dr

Portland, ME 04103

Meeting will be streamed online: www.cumberlandcountyme.gov/live

CALL TO ORDER

The Board of Commissioners met for their regularly scheduled meeting at 27 Northport Drive,

Portland, in the Sebago Lake Conference Room, the meeting was called to Order by Chair Patti Smith

at 5:00 p.m.

ATTENDANCE

4 -

1 -

Chair Patricia Smith, Vice Chair Tom Tyler, Commissioner Stephen

Gorden, and Commissioner James Cloutier

Commissioner Jean-Marie Caterina

Present:

Excused:

County Staff:

James Gailey, County Manager

Breana Gersen, Deputy County Manager

Katharine Cahoon, Admin and Special Projects

Theresa Grover, Director of Finance

Amy Jennings, Director of Human Resources

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

CD 26-017

Approval of the minutes, May 18, 2026, meeting of the Board of Commissioners

A motion was made by Commissioner Cloutier, seconded by Commissioner

Gorden, that this Minutes Report be APPROVED. The motion carried by a

unanimous vote.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

The Board Chair will limit comments on unrelated agenda items to three (3) minutes per speaker. The

public comment period is limited to one (1) hour.

Chair Smith opened the public comment period at 5:32 p.m., there were no comments from the public.

CONSENT AGENDA

Approval of the Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Commissioner Cloutier, seconded by Commissioner Gorden, to approve the

Consent Agenda. The motion carried by the following vote:

4 -

Chair Smith, Vice Chair Tyler, Commissioner Gorden, and Commissioner

Cloutier

Yes:

No:

1 -

Commissioner Caterina

Excused:

26-058

Sheriff’s Office Commissions May 1st, 2026 through May 31st, 2026.

This Order was APPROVED.

Approve agreement for law enforcement services by and between Cumberland

County, the Cumberland County Sheriff, and the inhabitants of the Town of

Naples from June 17, 2026 to September 7, 2026.

This Order was APPROVED.

Approve the agreement for Law Enforcement services by and between

Cumberland County, the Cumberland County Sheriff, and the inhabitants of the

Town of Chebeague Island from May 20, 2026 to September 6, 2026.

This Order was APPROVED.

Authorize the County Manager to sign the General Assistance Services

agreement between Cumberland County and the Towns of Falmouth, Casco,

North Yarmouth, Gray, and Baldwin from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.

This Order was APPROVED.

Authorize the County Manager to sign the contract between the Town of Gray

and Cumberland County for regional dispatch services from July 1, 2026 - June

30, 2028.

This Order was APPROVED.

Authorize the County Manager to execute the contract between the Town of

Windham and Cumberland County for regional dispatch services from July 1,

2026 to June 30, 2028.

This Order was APPROVED.

Authorize the County Manager to execute the contract between the Town of

North Yarmouth and Cumberland County for regional dispatch services from

July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028.

This Order was APPROVED.

Authorize the County Manager to execute the contract between the Town of

Chebeague Island and Cumberland County for regional dispatch services from

July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

This Order was APPROVED.

Authorize the reduction of board members on the Cumberland County Board of

Assessment Review from seven (7) to five (5) members by eliminating the two

(2) currently vacant seats, effective immediately.

This Order was APPROVED.

26-067

26-071

Amend the Cumberland County Administrative Regulations and Policies and

repeal “Number 15: CJIS Security,” and adopt “Number 15: CJIS Security

Policy” to replace the former policy.

This Order was APPROVED.

Authorize the County Manager to sign the Tyler Technologies Software As A

Service Agreement for the “Munis” program.

This Order was APPROVED.

NEW BUSINESS

26-068

Authorize the County Treasurer to adjust the Tax Stabilization Reserve, the

Special Revenue accounts, establish Capital Reserve accounts and re-authorize

ARPA interest funded expenditures.

County Manager James Gailey explained that the agenda item was the result of

amending county policies that address the audit result. This item cleans up the

funds within the charter of accounts in preparation of the 2027 audit and ACFR.

He noted that the content was discussed in detail at the previous workshop in

the beginning of June. He summarized that this item balances the special

revenue chart of accounts, addresses liabilities and established reserve

accounts without having to rely on future budgets. County Manager Gailey

continued and explained that funds in the ARPA interest account would be

reauthorized from existing ARPA projects which include Jail Recruitment,

Northport construction, and Cross Insurance Arena Capital projects.

Vice Chair Tyler asked what ARPA stands for?

County Manager Gailey explained that ARPA stands for the “American Rescue

Plan Act.” which were funds used to address the economic impacts of COVID.

County Manager Gailey read the five motions as written.

Commissioner Cloutier thanked County Manager Gailey for reading the motions

and observed that this action would clean up and support Finance Director

Theresa Grover’s work.

Commissioner Gorden requested that the motion be amended to show that the

item approves all of the proposed motions as if they were voted on individually.

Commissioner Gorden stated that he appreciated the hard work that was

presented at the workshop. He appreciated the transparency regarding the

reserve accounts and that it reinforces the public’s trust. He added that it also

prepares the county to be fiscally responsible and allows for effective

operations.

County Manager Gailey recognized Finance Director Grover and Finance and

Budget Manager Alyssa Johnson for their work to identify the accounts.

A motion was made by Commissioner Gorden, seconded by Commissioner

Cloutier, that the Order be AMENDED. The motion carried by the following vote:

4 -

Chair Smith, Vice Chair Tyler, Commissioner Gorden, and Commissioner

Cloutier

Yes:

No:

1 -

Commissioner Caterina

Excused:

26-068

Authorize the County Treasurer to adjust the Tax Stabilization Reserve, the

Special Revenue accounts, establish Capital Reserve accounts and re-authorize

ARPA interest funded expenditures.

County Manager Gailey read the five motions as written:

Motion one to transfer $427,348 from the MAT Reserve Fund (Account # 31067)

to Account #51389 to cover medication-assisted treatment (MAT) expenditures.

A motion was made by Commissioner Cloutier, seconded by Vice Chair Tyler,

that the Order be APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

4 -

Chair Smith, Vice Chair Tyler, Commissioner Gorden, and Commissioner

Cloutier

Yes:

No:

1 -

Commissioner Caterina

Excused:

Motion two to establish the following reserve accounts:

A “Buildings and Grounds Reserve” for the purpose of funding necessary

maintenance of County-owned buildings and grounds.

A “RCC Radio Communications and Frequency Reserve” for the purpose

of funding radio communication initiatives, such frequency sharing and

acquisition of P25 licenses.

A “Non-Public Safety Fleet Reserve” for the purpose of funding acquisition

and maintenance of County vehicles used by County departments not involved

in law enforcement functions.

A “Regional Service Expansion Reserve” for the purpose of funding the

development of new County-run regional services.

A “Cross Insurance Reserve” for the purpose of funding maintenance and

capital improvements to the Cross Insurance Arena.

A “Fire and EMS Reserve” for the purpose of funding initiatives and

equipment to support regional fire and EMS collaboration.

A motion was made by Commissioner Cloutier, seconded by Vice Chair Tyler,

that the Order be APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

4 -

Chair Smith, Vice Chair Tyler, Commissioner Gorden, and Commissioner

Cloutier

Yes:

No:

1 -

Commissioner Caterina

Excused:

Motion three to transfer a total of $4,646,013.45 from the Investment Revenue

Account (Account #54000-4901) to the following accounts:

$250,000 to Account #31342-4008

$390,000 to Account #70601-4100

$205,000 to the Buildings and Grounds Reserve Account

$200,000 to the RCC Radio Comms/Freq. Reserve Account

$100,000 to the Non-Public Safety Fleet Reserve Account

$300,000 to the Regional Service Expansion Reserve Account

$230,000 to the Cross Insurance Arena Reserve Account

$75,000 to the Fire and EMS Reserve Account

$1,400,304.59 to Fund 21

$214,092 to Fund 31

$54,052 to Fund 42

$11,186 to Fund 51

$135,198 to Fund 52

A motion was made by Commissioner Cloutier, seconded by Vice Chair Tyler,

that the Order be APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

4 -

Chair Smith, Vice Chair Tyler, Commissioner Gorden, and Commissioner

Cloutier

Yes:

No:

1 -

Commissioner Caterina

Excused:

Motion four to transfer $400,000 from the Tax Stabilization Reserve Account

(Account # 31391-4100) to the following accounts:

$125,000 to the Buildings and Grounds Reserve Account

$50,568.67 to the RCC Radio Comms/Freq. Reserve Account

$75,000 to the Regional Service Expansion Reserve Account

A motion was made by Commissioner Cloutier, seconded by Vice Chair Tyler,

that the Order be APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

4 -

Chair Smith, Vice Chair Tyler, Commissioner Gorden, and Commissioner

Cloutier

Yes:

No:

1 -

Commissioner Caterina

Excused:

Motion five to re-authorize a total expenditure of $1,081,180.80 previously made

from the Investment Revenue Account (Account #54000-4901) for the following

purposes:

$26,850.28 for Recruitment

$997,617.35 for Northport Construction

$56,713.17 for Cross Insurance Arena maintenance

A motion was made by Commissioner Cloutier, seconded by Vice Chair Tyler,

that the Order be APPROVED AS AMENDED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

4 -

Chair Smith, Vice Chair Tyler, Commissioner Gorden, and Commissioner

Cloutier

Yes:

No:

1 -

Commissioner Caterina

Excused:

Commissioner Cloutier requested that the Board go into executive session last after updates were

shared. There were no objections.

COMMENTS FROM THE EXECUTIVE STAFF

Human Resources Director Amy Jennings shared that they are two patrol deputy vacancies away from

being fully staffed. She explained that several patrol deputies have been hired and will be attending

the academy in the fall. There are a number of vacancies across multiple departments, particularly in

the Facilities Department and the Jail. The Human Resources and Finance Departments are fully

staffed. She shared that negotiations with Dispatch went well and they will be discussed in depth in the

executive session.

Chair Smith asked about the current number of correctional officers openings?

HR Director Jennings shared that there were approximately 25 vacancies.

Finance Director Grover shared that her Department’s new payroll software, TCP, went live last week.

There are few glitches that staff are addressing but only a few minor issues that are expected to be

corrected. She explained that her department is running both payroll softwares simultaneously and it is

creating delays. Staff have been preparing for the end of the fiscal year as well as the audit. Finance

and Budget Manager Alyssa Johnson is integrating the new budget management software into finance

operations.

Commissioner Gorden asked when the audit begins?

Finance Director Grover stated that it starts in September.

Assistant County Manager Breana Gersen shared that she met with the Maine Office of Community

Affairs and a representative from the Governor’s office about developing the regional code

enforcement officer program at the county. As it is a new concept, they will continue discussions about

developing the new model.

Chair Smith asked about the timing of the program?

Assistant County Manager Gersen shared that pilot funding would be available at the end of the

summer for a three year pilot program.

Commissioner Gorden asked if the county is applying for funding?

County Manager Gailey confirmed that they will.

COMMENTS FROM THE COUNTY MANAGER

County Manager Gailey shared that he will bring forth names of additional members to be appointed to

the Feasibility Committee for the Cross Insurance Arena at the next Commissioner meeting.

COMMENTS FROM THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Commissioner Cloutier congratulated Finance Director Grover on her work. He observed that much of

the funding reallocated is being dedicated to the development of Regional activities which he supports.

This is an opportunity for significant future growth. He advised that regarding the Arena Feasibility

Committee, they should reach out to the municipalities that are being affected both negatively and

positively. He recalled that their group did a similar exercise when the Cross Insurance Arena

underwent renovations. While the opinions were mixed, there was ultimately a positive outcome.

Commissioner Cloutier shared that in memory of former County Commissioner Neil Jamieson, spring

sports are coming to a close and congratulations to all of the student participants.

Commissioner Gorden stated that one of the things that interested him is a new finance system and

many opportunities that are beginning to open up within all the communities in the county. He noted

that one of the projects that should be modernized are the community contracts so that they are very

similar. He explained that consolidating the contract charges so that they're similar across the county

contracts, it helps the public to see the differences in costs and charges. He expressed that the

commission should make sure that this is an acceptable idea across the county as it becomes

common across the organization. He observed that accelerated change is taking place. In addition to

central dispatch services, there is also the organization of Fire and EMS. It is more evident that

organizational consolidation is happening in the county. He pointed out that that can be seen by the

General Assistance contracts that were just approved and by the interest in the Human Resources

services provided by the county.

Vice Chair Tyler echoed Commissioner Gorden, and shared that he is witnessing the consolidation of

services. He gave an example of Windham and Gorham that have decided to create a shared position

of a Deputy EMS Fire Chief. He explained that municipalities are realizing that they don’t need to pay

twice for the same services when they can share. He anticipates that other municipalities will

eventually do the same thing for similar vacant positions. Vice Chair Tyler noted that there is a

declining interest in becoming a fire fighter or a correctional officer.

Chair Smith also echoed former Commissioner Neil Jamieson and congratulated all of the graduates

from high school or college. She also observed that June is Pride Month and wished those who are

observing a happy pride month.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

26-069

Authorize the County Commissioners to enter into Executive Session in

accordance with 1 M.R.S.A. §405 (6)(D) for the opportunity to discuss contract

negotiations with the Cumberland County Communications Association.

A motion was made by Commissioner Cloutier, seconded by Commissioner

Gorden, that the Executive Session be APPROVED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

4 -

Chair Smith, Vice Chair Tyler, Commissioner Gorden, and Commissioner

Cloutier

Yes:

No:

1 -

Commissioner Caterina

Excused:

A motion was made by Vice Chair Tyler, seconded by Commissioner Gorden,

that the Executive Session be CONCLUDED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

4 -

Chair Smith, Vice Chair Tyler, Commissioner Gorden, and Commissioner

Cloutier

Yes:

No:

1 -

Commissioner Caterina

Excused:

26-070

Authorize the County Commissioners to enter into Executive Session in

accordance with 1 M.R.S.A. §405 (6)(A) for the County Manager’s annual

evaluation.

A motion was made by Commissioner Cloutier, seconded by Commissioner

Gorden, that the Executive Session be APPROVED. The motion carried by the

following vote:

4 -

Chair Smith, Vice Chair Tyler, Commissioner Gorden, and Commissioner

Cloutier

Yes: