During the budget discussion at the Lincoln/Sagadahoc Jail Authority meeting September 13, Correctional Administrator Mark Westrum told the board the Two Bridges Regional Jail budget for FY13 could not be finalized until he knows what the Sheriff’s budgets are for transports and programs. Westrum also explained that the budget did not include any cost of living increases for the staff, only longevity increases that are required due to the Two Bridges policy.

Finance Committee Chairman Peter Lepari recommended the board approve a two percent increase for this year. He said a two percent increase would cost around $98,000 and that it could be funded from surplus in the personnel lines, because the facility is never fully staffed.

Westrum told the authority, Two Bridges is last in the pay scale among the four flagship jails paying $14 per hour. The beginning rate for Waldo County is $16.40 per hour, the starting rate for Cumberland ins $17.25, York is in the $17 region, Somerset just increased from $13 to $16 per hour.   However, Westrum said, “We are last in pay but our benefit package probably is second to Cumberland.”

The authority members voted unanimously to approve the wage increase retroactive to July 1, 2012.

Security audit

The Two Bridges Regional Jail is participating in a national security audit by the National Institute of Corrections at the invitation of Department of Corrections Commissioner Joseph Ponte.

There were 19 individuals from all across the country last week doing security audits on the Maine State Prison, and the Maine Correctional Center, with six of them at Two Bridges.   

Larry Reid, Deputy Director of Prisons from the state of Colorado was introduced at the meeting by Major Mark Anderson.

The audit team will leave any recommendation for security improvements at the end of their stay, according to Westrum.

Other business

Authority Member John Atwood announced that he had sent a letter of resignation to the chairman. He told the group it was the best run board he had ever had the privilege of working on. But under the pressures of business he had to resign.

Authority Chairman Bud Lewis expressed regrets and wished Atwood good luck in his endeavors. Westrum also indicated the board would feel a big void with Atwood leaving.

Lewis reported that former authority member Dan Billings has just been confirmed as a judge by Governor Paul LePage.

The next Authority meeting will be Nov. 14.