York County officials point to recent projects as examples of how a regionalized approach to problem solving saves taxpayer money and provides stronger and more comprehensive solutions
By TAMMY WELLS | York County Government Media
York County government officials are forging ahead with initiatives to meet today’s demands while keeping an eye on lessons from the county’s 390-year history. They also say that a regionalized county-wide approach increases efficiency and saves money.
Over the last several years, the county government – the oldest in Maine, dating to 1636 – has been examining needs and ways to make life better for its diverse population of more than 220,000 residents, providing a regional approach in several endeavors.
And while there has been news about fiscal woes in some Maine counties (as York County experienced 20 years ago but has long since recovered) the objective is the same across Maine: to improve the lives of residents.
It’s about being proactive, thinking regionally, and getting the job done, said a county spokesperson.
“Getting the job done” is exactly what happened in 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic, when the county government and the York County Emergency Management Agency (YCEMA) stepped up to organize and operate a county-wide pandemic response.
YCEMA provided mobile vaccine clinics and a centralized vaccine center that administered 100,000 coronavirus vaccines.
And the proactivity didn’t stop there.
. . .
York County Commission Chair Richard Dutremble noted the five-member board took forward-thinking, bold steps when they voted to put about three quarters of the county government’s $40 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act toward three projects.
Those projects include a 58-bed residential substance recovery center that scheduled for completion within the next few months.
The recovery center will provide what county officials say are sorely needed services, including observation beds, detox, and various levels of residential care.
Another project includes a centralized training center for emergency first responders that went online earlier this year and recently celebrated the graduation of 17 new EMTs and 27 new firefighters.
And a dredge project helped repair devastating coastal erosion in late February and early March.
Mindful of other needs, county commissioners also used ARPA funds to invest in a teen center in Biddeford; a supportive housing project in Kittery and more – providing additional services to York County residents.
Although York County Commissioners could not have foreseen the 2020 pandemic when they hired York County Manager Greg Zinser in 2011, even then the board was looking to shake off the notion that counties in Maine are an obscure, dusty form of government.
“One thing they [commissioners] said was they wanted to be more proactive, more progressive, not in the political sense but thinking ahead to what we can do,” Zinser said.
. . .
Zinser was hired just as York County was emerging from a period of fiscal difficulties.
Dutremble, who will retire on Dec. 31 after more than 20 years as county commissioner, spoke about the county’s fiscal strength earlier this year.
“I want to reiterate to our taxpayers that our county government is in the best shape it’s been in 20 years,” Dutremble said, noting policies put in place following the 2006 discovery of a deficit have assured the county’s fiscal health.
By taking a proactive approach, county officials were able to respond quickly and efficiently when a large, regional food pantry in Alfred was about to close its doors.
County officials estimate that food pantry served roughly 3,000 people from throughout York County.
Commissioners voted to approve funding to keep the pantry open.
“We are prioritizing the task of tackling hunger, said Commissioner Justin Chenette of Saco. “We’re trying to make sure no one in York County is going hungry.”
Chenette said York County has demonstrated its ability to respond to the ever-changing needs of constituents. “I think we’re setting the bar pretty high,” he said.
Andre Cushing, president of the Maine County Commission Association and the chair of Penobscot County Commissioners, said county governments are able to bridge gaps and help more than 450 Maine communities by providing a regionalized approach.
“The modern reality is clear,” Cushing said. “We are stronger together. County government is the natural bridge to a more efficient Maine.
We are ready to be the partner that Maine towns deserve, ensuring every resident receives high-quality service, regardless of their ZIP code.”
“True efficiency happens when counties are empowered to lead,” Cushing added.
“We are stronger together.
— Andre Cushing
County government is
the natural bridge to
a more efficient Maine.”
Dutremble – who will be stepping down from his post as commission chair later this year — pointed out that costs for services and initiatives spread out over York County’s 29 municipalities lessens the tab for property taxpayers.
Typically, York County government taxes comprise between two and five percent of a property owner’s tax bill.
“Counties can offer you more and it costs you less in the long run,” Dutremble said.
Zinser agreed with Dutremble. “County government is a regional government that has a large amount of capacity and ability,” he said. “Regional problems require regional solutions. York County is willing to be part of the solution. “
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