NEWS | York County commissioners consider abolishing ‘elected’ county treasurer

March 31, 2026March 31, 2026 ~ tlwellseda29efde6 ~ Leave a comment

The final decision would require voter approval, but some commissioners say the position is largely ceremonial and somewhat redundant because the county already pays a finance director and support staff

By TAMMY WELLS | York County Government Media

ALFRED, Maine – York County Commissioners are poised to decide later this spring whether to ask voters in November if they wish to appoint a county treasurer, thus abolishing the elected position.

Proponents of the proposed referendum note that York County government has a finance director and staff who carry out the treasurer’s duties and more, and that the elected treasurer role in York County is purely ceremonial and has been for nearly 20 years.

**YORK COUNTY COMMISSIONERS** are contemplating whether to ask voters in November if they wish to abolish the elected county treasurer position, which in York County is largely ceremonial – the county government instituted a finance director position in 2007. Shown here from the left are York County Manager Greg Zinser and Commissioners Richard Clark, Robert Andrews, Chair Richard Dutremble, Donna Ring and Justin Chenette. (*Photo by Katherine Derby*)

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Richard Clark, a York County Commissioner for nine years and a member of the county budget for six years before that, said he favors committee a referendum to create an appointed treasurer position.

“The elected treasurer does nothing,” said Clark. “We reduced the salary to $500 a year……We have professional financial management here. To continue this in my mind is pointless.”

Commissioner Justin Chenette said voters have previously made their wishes clear in a referendum on the question. That 2018 referendum saw 63,100 voters cast ballots in favor of keeping the elected part-time position, while 27,136 voters cast ballots to abolish it.

Chenette said he would be hesitant for the county to deviate from the will of the voters. “I have a feeling they’ll decide again to retain the position, so what has changed from that referendum to this referendum? I think we should abide by the wish of the voters. Just sending it out again does absolutely nothing.”

According to state law, the only qualification for an elected county treasurer is that the individual be a resident of the county.

The same statute addresses the qualifications of an appointed treasurer: “The treasurer must be qualified in matters of business administration and finance.”

Duties of the treasurer – carried out in York County by the finance director and staff – include keeping the books, paying the bills, enforcing payment of taxes, if need be, making an annual accounting of the books, and with the advice and consent of county commissioners, make investments, according to the statutes. The county’s finances are audited annually by a professional firm.

“The treasurer position is obsolete in today’s society,” said Commission Chair Richard Dutremble. “We really don’t need it.”

Dutremble reminded commissioners that a referendum campaign could see a proliferation of misinformation. He said the last time the matter went to a county wide referendum “people said they didn’t understand the question.”

The current York County Treasurer is Stacy Kilroy, who is not seeking re-election. She was appointed to the post by Gov. Janet Mills following the 2024 resignation of the prior treasurer, Bobby Mills.

“The treasurer position is obsolete in today’s
society. We really don’t need it.”
— Chair Richard Dutremble of Biddeford

Mills was first elected in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. He is running for the spot in the Democratic primary June 9.

York County Commissioners hired the county’s first finance director in 2007, after discovering a $1.2 million deficit in the fund balance that year. With hard work, it was cleared and the fund balance was rebuilt to healthy levels.

In 2015, York County Commissioners of the day, noting that the duties of the treasurer were being carried out by the finance director, voted to reduce salary for the elected part-time treasurer to $500 annually starting with the 2018 election.

Commissioner Donna Ring said she would like to study the matter further and proposed postponing the decision until May. Voting in favor were Commissioners Robert Andrews, Chenette and Ring, while Clark and Dutremble were opposed.

Today, three of Maine’s 16 counties – Androscoggin, Cumberland and Knox – have appointed treasurers. The rest remain elected, but voters in Washington County could see the question in an upcoming election.

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Mid-1600s deeds, other historic documents enthrall adult ed class

March 24, 2026 ~ tlwellseda29efde6 ~ Leave a comment

[Contributed Story & Photos]

By TAMMY WELLS | York County Government media

ALFRED, Maine – The mark, drawn in ink, is a figure of a person with their arms thrust out from their sides, fingers on each hand spread wide. It is the mark of a man named Roles, described in a deed “the Sagamore of Newichawanuke.”

**YORK COUNTY REGISTRAR** of Deeds Nancy Hammond converses with Danny Bottino during a tour of York County Court House in Alfred by a Marshwood Adult Education class March 13. Photo | Tammy Wells

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The mark is affixed to a document showing the 1643 sale from Mr. Roles to Humphrey Chadbourne of “half a mile of ground” lying between the Little River and the Great River. An online Chadbourne genealogy shows the property is in what is present-day South Berwick. Three years later, Roles, said to be Wabanaki, also sold his fish weir at Little John Falls to Humphrey, but retained fishing rights for alewives there. The deeds were recorded in York County in 1649.

Those documents are among thousands – literally, thousands – at the historic York County Court House in Alfred, ranging from York County Commissioners records that contain a lot more information than meeting minutes, a vast amount of deeds and much, much more.

On a recent Thursday, about 20 people who had signed up for a courthouse tour through Marshwood Adult Education got to see some early documents – some dating to the mid-1600s like the Roles-Chadbourne transactions – and learn how they’re being carefully preserved for the future. They got to examine the stately second floor courtroom, toured the Registry of Deeds, and more.

*Marshwood Adult Education students – close to 20 in all – examine old documents among the thousands on file at York County Court House in Alfred during a recent tour.* Photo provided by Tammy Wells

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The free tour was the second of its kind – the first was held in October with Massabesic Adult and Community Education.

History buffs were delighted. And one attendee spoke of a personal mystery – he had been looking for the specific boundaries of his Kittery property but had so far been unsuccessful.

“We found the old historical deeds,” he said, but hadn’t been able to progress further, and surveyors, he noted “won’t touch it,” because of the expected complexities involved.

York County’s Records Management Specialist Andrew O’Neill noted that many early records, from deeds to documents laying out county roads and landmarks were often generic – an oak tree, a fence, a barn – all now lost to time.

Showing a copy of an 1800s map depicting the laying out of a road in Limerick and Cornish, O’Neill noted the road starts at “Gilpatrick’s house.”

“I’ve seen quite a few instances of a red house as a marker,” he said.

Recorded documents may include more than property sales. Plans for roadways, land development and later, subdivisions are also recorded here.

And in the early days, it wasn’t unheard of in rural York County for cattle and oxen to wander and end up on someone else’s property. The landowner would house and feed the animal – and record doing so with the Registry of Deeds, to aid in reimbursement when the animal’s owner was found.

Attendee Karen Benoit examined a book of plans – many were filed by the railroad companies in the 1800s as they expanded throughout various locales in York County, and said she and her husband thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

“We had visited the courthouse a few years ago to research the history of our house,” she said. “We signed up for this tour to get a refresher of the information available at the courthouse. We came away with so much more! I did not know about the maps and the census records. I thought there were only deeds.”

**A REALLY OLD DOCUMENT** | In 1643, Mr. Roles, described in a deed as the Sagamore of Newichawanuke sold a piece of land to Humphrey Chadbourne in what is now South Berwick. This deed transcription, with Mr. Role’s mark, is one of many on file at York County Court House in Alfred. {Tammy Wells Photo)

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Benoit said the knowledge and sincere interest in the court and its historic contents that O’Neill and Hammond conveyed was impressive.

Historian Danny Bottino, who completed his doctoral thesis on Maine deeds of the 17^th century, was among those on the tour. Besides perusing the deeds, what did he like best?

“The courtroom is pretty cool,” he said of the vast space where justice was dispensed over many years.

The courtroom dates to 1934 – the central portion of the courthouse was destroyed by fire in February 1933 and rebuilt, opening the following year. All of the courtroom woodwork and furnishings date to the period. The doors are seven feet tall, and the tray ceiling rises more than 20 feet.

The walls are inscribed with the words: virtue, sobriety, equity, justice, truth, fidelity, honor, decorum and candor – a clear signal that what transpired inside the walls was to be taken seriously, indeed.

Over the years, until a consolidation in 2023 moved state court operations to a new building in Biddeford, thousands of people were tried for felony offenses in the courtroom, including murder.

As to documents, the record of the Roles – Humphrey deed, one of the earliest copies in the registry, is tattered and fragile, but now, preserved, as are many others, with more to come.

Registrar Nancy Hammond shed some light on it and other like documents.

“What we currently have here in Alfred is what I believe to be the transcription of the documents that were presented for recording with the original documents being returned presumably to the purchaser,” said Hammond. The county would have employed a scribe to undertake the transcription.

Hammond noted a preface in Volume 1 of the York County Registry of Deeds books that reads: “The court of general sessions of peace, held at York, October 5, 1731, and thereupon the following order was issued: Records of Deeds belonging to this County is very much torn and out of the binding and cannot be well new bound, it is ordered by this Court that the County Register be and hereby is directed to buy a New book and Transcribe all the Deeds & contained in said old Book into the said new one at the charge of this County the account of which to be laid before this Court.”

Later still, in 1887, the Maine Historical Society, with the Maine Legislature’s blessing, took on the task of publishing York County’s early recordings, producing 20 volumes that date from 1642 to 1737.

While the York County Registry of Deeds and the York County Registry of Probate maintain permanent legal records of the business conducted in their departments, there are many other documents.

Preservation efforts all started, O’Neill told the group, with eight boxes of documents stored in the courthouse labelled “keep forever,” a clear signal that what was inside was well worth preserving.

Hammond and others began the process of examining “keep forever” boxes about five to six years ago and a bit later, the county contracted with Lilly Archival of Blue Hill to help. O’Neill began his role in record management in 2024. Sorting and carefully preserving those earliest records continues, and the drive to make more historical items available online to the public is ongoing.

“From an education point of view, the tour showed me the value of cursive and pen and ink writing styles contained in historic documents, and the art and science in the use of inks, watercolor or other mediums to create and annotate maps,” said Marshwood Adult Education Director Linda Greer.

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County’s Citizen Police Academy ‘intriguing, interesting’ grads say

March 16, 2026 ~ tlwellseda29efde6 ~ Leave a comment

By TAMMY WELLS | York County Government media

ALFRED — A couple of classes of the Citizens Police Academy conducted by York County Sheriff’s Office this winter included law and the US Constitution. It was part of the nine-week program that saw students learn everything from how to conduct a traffic stop to the role of police dogs – typically called K9s – to crime scene processing and use of force.

Among the 16 graduates of the program were Bob Dyer and Matt Ryan. Both had been members of the inaugural academy in 2025 and enjoyed it so much they signed up for 2026.

“It’s a good way for the community to see what’s going on behind the scenes,” said Ryan, who said he is interested in a career in law enforcement.

**PROUD GRADS** | Academy grad: After 27 hours of instruction and a ride along with a deputy, 16 members of the YCSO Citizen Police Academy graduated March 6. The evening classes encompassed an array of topics, from crime scene investigation to the special response team, K9 handling, dispatching, jail operations and much more. The academy is held each January and February. (Tammy Wells Photo)

Dyer said he found the first academy so interesting he was eager to sign up for the second. “I was amazed at the amount of time they spent on law and the Constitution,” said Dyer. And then came mock traffic stops, conducted in the drill hall of the York County Regional Training Center. “At night it was really dark,” said Dyer, with the vast drill hall simulating what it is like outside on a moonless night. “That was a whole new scenario.”

Program administrator Deputy Matt Cummer said the class of 16 was a diverse group that included retirees, lawyers, healthcare workers and others who took time out of their busy weeks to attend.

The graduates were recognized on March 6, at the sheriff’s office annual awards ceremony.

“I liken the citizen police academy to the Wizard of Oz movie – we give people a glimpse of what goes on behind the curtain,” said York County Sheriff William L. King “The citizen academy is not only interesting to the participants, but gives them a true appreciation of the challenges of policing in a rural environment.”

Katarina Champlin works in a hospital emergency department and married into a police family.

“I wanted to see the aspects of what they do,” said Champlin, who said crime scene processing and investigations were her favorite parts of the program.

“I’ve always been intrigued,” said Anthony Legueux. “It was interesting.”

Topics for the free program included police patrol operations and tactics, communications, fingerprinting, jail operations, crime scene processing, political implications, investigations, community policing, constitutional law, use of force, K9 utilization, and special response team operations. In all, it was a 27-hour program plus a required ride-along. Those applying agree to a background check.

**FAVOITE PART OF THE CLASS** | *K9: A popular topic at the YCSO Citizen Police Academy is the use of K9s in all manner of investigations. Here, Deputy Cody Frazier and K9 Rebel take a turn around the drill hall. (Courtesy Photo*)

“Everyone is interested in the K-9 part because dogs are cool, but I think students got the most out of the use of force class, reviewing case law on the subject and (now) understand how law-enforcement officers are judged when using force – it can be eye-opening,” said Cummer.

Graduates included Ilene Kanoff, John Burrows, Karen Furrow, Roycean Weyand, Katarina Champlin, Danny brown, Anthony Lagueux, Andrew Lehmann, Elaine Guillemette, Thomas Collins, Matt Ryan, Robert Dyer, Joshia Jacques, Henry Monday, Tyler Smith and Sarah Newick.

Dyer said the academy was time well spent.

“This is in a class by itself,” he said.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Tammy Wells is a media specialist with York County government. You may reach her at tlwells@yorkcountymaine.gov

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Officers recognized for ‘great work’

March 12, 2026 ~ tlwellseda29efde6 ~ Leave a comment

By TAMMY WELLS | York County Government media

ALFRED, Maine — An elderly man with dementia wandered into a garage and climbed to the second story, where the only “floor” was planks placed across the support beams. It was unclear whether he intended to harm himself or if he was merely confused, investigators said. He wielded a shovel and threatened to strike York County Sheriff Deputy Levi Johnson. When the man was distracted, Johnson was able to safely bring him to the ground floor.

In another situation, Sgt. Mathieu Nadeau and Deputy Duane Fay saved the life of a young woman who was threatening suicide – she was preparing to jump from a second story window when the two longtime law enforcement officers intervened.

Now-retired Deputy Jason Solomon was responding to a disturbance when he noticed a vehicle on the roadside and the driver slumped in the seat. He stopped, thinking it might be related. The man had about two dozen stab wounds, and was driving himself to the hospital when he felt faint. Without Solomon’s intervention, the man would have perished, said Sheriff William L. King Jr.

Those situations – for which lifesaving awards were given – were among many accounts of how members of the York County Sheriff’s Office Police Services, Corrections Division and Civil Process divisions did the hard work – and were recognized for it on Friday, March 6 at the YCSO Annual Awards Ceremony.

*Travis Jones, a 25-year veteran of York County Sheriff’s Office, was promoted to sergeant and is seen here in ceremonies March 6, as his wife Beth affixes his badge.* Courtesy photo

“Preparing for these events is a humbling experience because I learn of, or am reminded of the great work we do on a regular basis,” said King. “Having these ceremonies is my greatest pleasure as the sheriff.”

There were commendations, meritorious awards, the Mat Baker Awards, a promotion, a graduation recognition for members of the Citizens Police Academy, a nod to outgoing and incoming members of the York County Jail Board of Visitors, a shout out to community members, recognition of retirees, and officers and deputy of the year.

Johnson received a commendation in addition to a lifesaving award and is the York County Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year for 2025 – King noted Johnson’s sustained superior performance over his 12-year career, crime solving abilities, investigative skills, and the calming effect he brings to any situation.

“You never lose your composure,” King said as he made the award.

Ellis Mattison was named Corrections Officer of the Year. “He is a true leader in the jail,” said King, “He Issues many safety bulletins, stays current in corrections issues, and keeps the staff abreast of any changes.”

*Levi Johnson, a 12-year veteran of York County Sheriff’s Office, was named Deputy of the Year during annual award ceremonies March 6.* (Courtesy photo)

Natalia Morneau is Reserve Corrections Officer of the Year, recognized as a subject matter expert on video arraignment, and assists with assuring inmates attend required court appearances.

Sgt. Kyle Kassa received a meritorious award for solving series of incidents where firearms were at homes and properties in Lebanon and Acton from a moving vehicle. In one case, a homeowner found 24 bullet holes in the siding on his home. In another, a bullet entered a bedroom where an infant was sleeping. The child was not injured.

Kassa, Chief Deputy Jeremy Forbes, Detective Steven Broy, Deputy Evan Sousa, Groundskeeper Luke O’Brien and Administrative Clerk Jenny Miller all received commendations.

Sgt. Matheu Nadeau received a meritorious award for sustained superior performance by ensuring all deputies are current with their trainings and are notified of any changes in law, said King.

*Natalia Morneau was named Reserve Corrections Officer of the Year in ceremonies March 6.* (Contributed photo)

Brian Maddox, who retired a couple of years ago after a 40-year career at York County Jail was recognized for his service. “From the old jail on route 111 to our current facility, he was there mentoring younger corrections officers,” said King. “He spent his career keeping his colleagues and inmates safe – he continues that role,” noting Maddox’s work as a judicial marshal at York Judicial Center in Biddeford.

David Francoeur, who recently retired after 28 years at York County Emergency Management Agency was recognized by the sheriff’s office. EMA and the sheriff’s office often work closely together- and King noted Francoeur remains a volunteer with EMA.

Deputy Shawn Sanborn was recognized for his 20 years of service and what will be a brief retirement – Sanborn will return to YCSO in a new county program that allows retired individuals to continue working – a plus for both the retiree and the agency – which King said will benefit from having an experienced deputy aboard.

Travis Jones has been a deputy for 25 years and is now sporting a new rank – sergeant. Jones has been an informal leader in the patrol division, filling roles of officer in charge, field training officer, and as an acting sergeant.

Others marking significant years of service were, from the patrol division Kyle Kassa, 20 years; Troy Chenard, Duane Fay and Darren Cyr, 15 years; and Cody Frazier and Paul Mitchell, each with 10 years. At York County Jail, Lieut. Cindy Sanborn is marking 25 years, Adam Boynton 10 years and John Nardelli, five years.

*Ellis Mattison was named York County Jail Corrections Officer of the year in ceremonies March 6*. (Contributed photo)

There were three recipients of the Mat Baker Award. Baker was Chief Deputy from 2006 until his passing in 2012. The recipients are Corrections Officer Keith Merrifield, David Pratt and Stacy Thistlewood who throughout the year make an extraordinary effort toward the success of York County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office noted the work of Bob Kirton of Shapleigh Rescue in assisting his town and others. As well as his duties as a clergyman, Chaplain Kirton wears many hats: Rescue Driver, EMT, and more, including a situation in Acton, where he assisted deputies after a local man passed away. The man’s widow had dementia, and no family nearby. Kirton stayed until family members could arrive.

Former deputy James Webber worked for several police departments and York County Sheriff’s Office. He was injured on the job many years ago and did not return, and was belatedly recognized for his work.

Outgoing York County Jail Board of Visitors members Janet Drew, Sarah Johnson, Pastor David Corbett and Cheryl Dearborn Mills were thanked for their service, as was Susan Wiswell, who volunteered to stay on with incoming BOV members Kenneth Blow, Gary Prolman, Nicole Butler, Deborah Hamilton, Charlyce Goodwin and Matthew Baron. Drew and Johnson will continue as advisory members.

Jessica Peck-Lindsey sang The National Anthem, accompanied by Civil Deputy Rosario Cordolio on trumpet. Aurelia Lindsey led the Pledge of Allegiance, while Chaplain Trent Boyd gave the invocation.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Tammy Wells is a media specialist with York County government. You may reach her at tlwells@yorkcountymaine.gov

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York County jail gets perfect score

March 5, 2026March 11, 2026 ~ tlwellseda29efde6 ~ Leave a comment

By TAMMY WELLS | York County Media Specialist

ALFRED, Maine – York County Jail has earned a 100 percent score on their recent biennial state inspection.

That means the 294-bed facility aced all 145 mandatory standards, and all 95 essential standards for 2024 and 2025.

The 100 percent rating is a first for York County Jail.

“We’ve been close, gotten scores into the 90s, but never 100 percent,” said York County Jail Administrator Major Lori Marks.

York County Sheriff William L King Jr. said Maine Department of Corrections officials emphasized how rare it is for a facility to achieve a 100 percent compliance rating.

“They were very complimentary on how well York County Jail is operated,” said King. “I am very proud of this rating. Lori and her team are dedicated professionals, and they do a remarkable job.”

The standards encompass every facet of the jail operation, from specifying clothing items issued to inmates to control center operations, documentation of inmate counts, facility searches for contraband, medical care, use of force, food service requirements, programs, and a host of others.

“A perfect score in two years is very commendable,” said Steven French, Manager of Correctional Operations and Compliance for the Maine Department of Corrections.

The inspection program requires documentation of how each standard is achieved, followed by an intensive two-day in-person facility inspection by Maine DOC.

“The inspection encompasses every corner of the jail, from maintenance to community programs – everything in the jail,” said French. “They did very well.”

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Free Senior Safety Fair | Scam recognition, safe driving tips and lunch!

March 3, 2026March 4, 2026 ~ tlwellseda29efde6 ~ Leave a comment

By TAMMY WELLS, York County Government Media

ALFRED — Many would agree that those who identify as “senior citizens” are an independent, capable lot. Most seniors, with the benefit of decades of experience, are comfortable and adept at managing their lives.

But aging impacts everyone a bit differently, and seniors can be vulnerable. Driving might be a bit more of a challenge than it used to be for some folks. Silver-tongued scam artists with an eye on someone’s bank account can be very clever and deceptively engaging.

Education is key and, with that in mind, folks in the senior citizen age bracket are invited to a totally free Senior Safety Fair on March 13 to listen and learn. The event will be hosted at the brand-new York County Regional Training Center at 79 First County Way, off Rte. 4 and Layman Way in Alfred.

York County Sheriff’s Office, TD Bank and AAA Northern New England are teaming up to offer the day of conversation, learning and fun. They will be joined by representatives of the York County Elder Abuse Task Force, Southern Maine Agency on Aging and Maine’s Elder Justice Investigator Candice Simeoni.

*York County Sheriff Williiam King (County photo)*

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for coffee and donuts. There is an opportunity for drivers to have their vehicle’s battery checked and windshield washer fluid topped off, followed by presentations (with a break in between!), lunch, some socialization and a few raffles, according to York County Sheriff William L. King Jr.

“This day is focused on senior safety, but we encourage family members and caregivers to also come and participate. There will be something for everybody!” said King.

AAA Northern New England Traffic Safety Education Specialist and former longtime law enforcement officer Tom Baran will give a workshop called “Keeping the Keys.” Designed to help older adults minimize their driving risks, topics include how driving changes with age, how to safely adapt driving as we age, knowing all about the vehicle you’re driving, and more.

“Being able to run your own errands can give older adults a greater level of independence,” said Baran. “However, the physical and cognitive changes that come with aging, along with medical conditions and increased medication use, can put older drivers at greater risk when driving.”

“The York County Sheriff’s Office sees the Senior Safety Fair as an opportunity to leverage private resources for the public’s good,”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, drivers 70 and older have a higher crash death rate per 1,000 crashes than drivers aged 35-45. The higher crash death rates among the 70-plus age group are primarily due to increased vulnerability to injury in a crash.

A presentation by TD Bank is next, offering TD SAFE (Security Awareness for Everyone), a fraud-focused session to help seniors understand how scams operate and how to protect their financial assets and identity.

How prevalent are scams? Consider this: There were 608 internet fraud complaints filed by Maine people 60 and older totaling just under $13 million in losses, according to the 2024 FBI Annual Internet Crime Report. According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams and identity theft resulted in a total of $23.9 million in fraud losses in Maine across all age groups, with the highest concentration of reports from York County.

A flyer that details the March 13 event (Courtesy photo)

Scams happen every day, and the perpetrators are clever and relentless. They’ll befriend you, flatter you and take your last dime.

“Fraud and scams are constantly evolving, and it is impacting our communities more than ever,” said Christopher Blackmore, Senior Manager of Customer Education at TD. “Being a victim of a scam can be embarrassing and one of the main reasons it is under reported. It all starts with education and that’s why we developed the TD SAFE program.”

The TD team works directly with communities to provide guidance and trusted advice whether those participating are TD clients or not. “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to help keep our communities safe,” said Kate Burns, Retail Market President, New England North/South, TD. “We’re proud to partner with the York County Sheriff’s Office, AAA Northern New England, and other community organizations to help raise awareness about fraud, identity theft, and the steps individuals and families can take to stay informed and protected.”

King said he is pleased that community partners like TD Bank, AAA Northern New England and others stepped forward.

“The York County Sheriff’s Office sees the Senior Safety Fair as an opportunity to leverage private resources for the public’s good,” said King. “These events are much more impactful when community partners are engaged.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Tammy Wells is a media specialist with York County government. You may reach her at tlwells@yorkcountymaine.gov

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Offering Hope | ‘What they’ve done is not who they are’

February 26, 2026 ~ tlwellseda29efde6 ~ Leave a comment

By TAMMY WELLS, York County Government media

ALFRED, Maine – On a recent Saturday as the Mass at York County Jail neared its end, those eligible for Holy Communion moved to partake. Others were asked by Bishop Robert Deeley if they would like a blessing, and several residents stepped forward with their arms crossed on their chests, as instructed. He smiled at each one as he made the sign of the cross.

A York County Jail resident receives a blessing administered by Bishop Robert Deeley, who says Mass at the jail once a month for inmates who sign up to attend. While retired from administrative duties since 2024, he remains a priest and a Bishop and says Mass weekdays in his home parish. *(Courtesy photo)*

It was a special moment in an hour of special moments, as 17 general population jail inmates – some sentenced, some awaiting trial – took part in the Mass, repeating the familiar, and to some, not so familiar readings, and listening as Bishop Deeley delivered the homily.

Catholic Prison Ministry, a joint initiative of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Sanford and The Brothers of Christian Instruction in Alfred, has provided a regular Catholic presence at York County Jail since 2018, after planning for a year, said member Raymond Wallace.

“They need to know what they’ve done is not who they are,” said Wallace of jail residents. “God has a better plan.”

The prison ministry group had long desired a Saturday evening Mass for inmates, but, as Bishop Deeley noted, Saturdays are busy times for priests, who regularly say Mass on Saturday evenings in their own parishes. Deeley retired from his administrative duties when James Ruggieri was appointed Bishop of Portland in 2024, but he remains a Bishop and a priest and recently began offering the Saturday evening Mass at the jail once a month.

*Brother Henry Monday, left, of the Brothers of Christian Instruction in Alfred, and Bishop Robert Deeley take part in a recent Mass at York County Jail.*

Having Mass at the jail requires additional corrections officers to provide security, said Sheriff Bill King, and staffing levels are challenging so he, and Jail Administrator Maj. Lori Marks or an alternate attend to ensure the service is not cancelled. “It is truly an honor to have a retired Bishop come to the jail and celebrate mass,” King said. He said several inmates have become regular attendees and seem to have developed a connection with the Bishop – who recognizes “the regulars.”

Many of those attending on a recent Saturday weren’t Catholic – the Bishop said most aren’t. They listened and participated respectfully.

“I emphasize to the inmates how fortunate they are to have a Bishop celebrating mass at the jail,” said King. “Even amongst the non-Catholics, they seem to recognize the Bishop’s importance to the Catholic faith.”

York County Jail has an average daily population of about 230 people, who hail from many walks of life. Religious or spiritual services are offered to the majority of the jail population, who sign up to attend, said King.

He said groups like Catholic Prison Ministry provide mentorship. “I’ve seen where people released relied on them for guidance,” King said.

In addition to the Mass, Brother Henry Monday is a regular visitor to the jail, and is often sought out by residents for counsel, Bishop Deeley said.

Brother Monday put it simply: “When we come together, we are all children of God,” he said.

There are other services and opportunities for religious and spiritual counsel. Maj. Marks, the jail administrator, said Calvary Chapel hosts a Tuesday Bible study at the jail.

Rabbi Levi Wilansky is available to provide guidance to those of the Jewish faith, said King.

And York County Jail provides the services of a chaplain.

“Unlike chaplains in state facilities who often have the chance to build longer-term relationships, county jail chaplaincy mostly involves short-term care, meeting people facing an uncertain future and planting seeds of hope that may hopefully grow later,” said Chaplain Trent Boyd. “The Chaplain does their best to support each inmate’s right to practice their faith and to request reasonable accommodations for sincere beliefs.”

Bishop Robert Deeley, shown here greeting a York County Jail resident, is retired from his administrative work for the Diocese of Portland but remains a Bishop and priest, and says Mass once a month at York County Jail.

Boyd said chaplains listen, care, and are there to offer hope.

“A county jail chaplain tries to bring what we call “a ministry of presence” into the jail,” Boyd said.

On a winter Saturday evening, as the Mass was said, there was a warmth and a sense of peace and goodwill in the meeting room.

“I hope, through our presence with them, and having the Mass, they will know that whatever has gone wrong in their lives does not remove them from the love of God,” Bishop Deeley said of those who attend. “Remember that Jesus reached out to the prisoner next to him on Calvary. That prisoner is today in heaven. In whatever way we can help the people in the jail to know they are of great worth, and capable of doing great things, we have fulfilled our mission.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Tammy Wells is a media specialist with York County government. You may reach her at tlwells@yorkcountymaine.gov

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Counties urge lawmakers to use state funding — not county funds — to subsidize shelters

February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 ~ tlwellseda29efde6 ~ Leave a comment

By TAMMY WELLS, York County government media

York County Commissioners understand the need to support the unhoused through shelter subsidies and are urging legislators to seek ways to support them within the state’s coffers, not the counties’ far slimmer purse.

In testimony to the Legislature’s Housing and Economic Development Committee at a public hearing Feb. 10, commissioners urged the committee members to vote “ought not to pass,” on L.D. 2124, a bill that would further dip into each county’s share of the real estate transfer tax.

And despite a 2025 state law that increased real estate transfer taxes on properties that exceed $1 million, York County officials say the increase won’t offset a further one percent hit L.D. 2124 would impose on their already modest share of the real estate transfer tax.

*Photo: via York County Government, Facebook*

A committee work session took place on Tuesday and was ultimately tabled. That means committee members will continue their research, and another work session that could potentially include a vote will be scheduled, possibly as soon as the week beginning Feb. 23, a committee staffer said.

Real estate transfer tax is collected by each county Registry of Deeds, which until recently sent 90 percent of the collected tax to the state, with counties retaining 10 percent. The county share was reduced to 9.2 percent in the first session of the 132nd Legislature, with 0.8 percent directed to a housing affordability program for two years.

L.D. 2124, if passed as written, would direct an additional 1 percent of the county share to subsidize shelters, leaving the counties with an 8.2 percent share going forward, and the state with 91.8 percent share.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Drew Gattine of Westbrook, whose district includes a portion of Saco, said as a result of a 2025 increase in the Real Estate Transfer Tax for home sales exceeding $1 million, counties are projected to receive an increase in revenue.

“This bill proposes that additional ongoing support be provided for shelters by utilizing a portion of the percentage of increased Real Estate Transfer Tax revenue that currently goes to the counties,” Gattine said in testimony to the committee on Tuesday. “To be clear, the intent here is not to reduce funding to the counties, but to redirect extra funds from the increased tax on high end homes.”

York County Manager Greg Zinser said the amount of money the bill’s sponsors believe will be generated for the counties through the 2025 increase in real estate transfer tax on properties that exceed $1 million will not materialize because of the current 90.8 percent state share and the 9.2 percent county share.

“With their cut, the only people receiving the windfall is the state of Maine,” Zinser said. “Taking an extra 1 percent from the counties’ small share as proposed in L.D. 2124 will further reduce the county share of real estate transfer tax. It is taking a greater percentage of the transfer tax retained by the county as a whole than the high-end home tax is putting in.”

Zinser said York County recognizes the shelters need assistance. He noted York County Commissioners have helped local housing initiatives, awarding $440,000 from York County’s share of ARPA funding to Sanford Housing Authority to assist with a supportive housing project, and about $750,000 to Kittery-based Fair Tide to develop supportive housing and a social services hub. York County Commissioners also voted to use APRA and a variety of other funds to build the York County Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Center.

Under construction now, the 58-bed center is expected to play a role in the circumstances of those seeking recovery services who may also be unhoused.

In their testimony, York County Commissioners said the proposal to further reduce the county share of the real estate transfer tax by 1 percent would mean direct annual revenue loss to York County of $244,000. They calculated that the additional state revenue gained if the bill is approved would yield about $1.2 million annually to subsidize shelters statewide.

County operations are funded primarily through a portion of property tax and have few outside revenue streams – among them deeds recording fees and the real estate transfer tax.

In practice, this (bill) simply shifts limited funds from one unit of government to another, without creating new resources,” York County Commissioners testified.

Commissioners also wondered where the subsidy would go in York County, noting the 2025 closure of the sole emergency shelter that had been operated by the private nonprofit York County Shelter Programs, Inc. As well, they said some parts of the bill as currently written would require clarification to avoid a possible greater impact on counties.

“Please understand registers of deeds are not against funding of emergency shelters. In fact, we agree shelters need a funding source, but not at the expense of further burdening our property owners,” said Oxford County Register of Deeds and Maine Registers of Deeds Association secretary Cherri L. Crockett, who was among those testifying at the public hearing.

In practice, this (bill) simply shifts limited funds from one unit of government to another, without creating new resources,

Emily Flinkstrom, executive director of Fair Tide, testified on behalf of 10 organizations that are among members of the York County Committee on Homelessness. She said shelters in Portland and Portsmouth, NH have seen increased demand as has Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center in Biddeford as a result of the closing of the York County Shelter Programs Inc. emergency shelter.

Flinkstrom said the group recognizes “there is some friction” regarding specifics of the funding mechanism and its impact on county budgets, but encouraged legislators to move the bill forward, with an understanding that the Legislature, counties, and state partners continue work to resolve implementation details.

Sanford Housing Authority Director Diane Small testified that state funding for emergency shelter operations has remained flat at $2.5 million annually since 2016, even as demand and costs have increased, creating an unsustainable funding gap.

Small noted the closure of the York County Shelter Programs emergency shelter has had a profound impact and urged an “ought to pass” vote.

Oxford County Commissioner Sawin Millett, a former longtime Maine legislator, testified that his county sensitive to and supportive of homeless shelters, but opposes the manner in which the subsidy would be funded.

“If you need $1.1 million, why take it away from us,” he asked, noting the shortfall created would impact property taxpayers. “We would like to work with you and look at other alternatives.”

Co-sponsors of the bill include Maine House Speaker Rep. Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford, Rep. Traci Gere of Kennebunkport, and Rep. Daniel Sayre of Kennebunk, along with state representatives from Penobscot, Waldo, and Androscoggin County and a Cumberland County state senator.

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Tammy Wells is a media specialist with York County government. You may reach her at tlwells@yorkcountymaine.gov

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