Ballot question to appoint Franklin County treasurer raises debate in Jay

Franklin County commissioners during a 2025 meeting. Photo by Matt Billian.

JAY — The costs of a November ballot question and a replacement police cruiser dominated the Jay Select Board's discussion Tuesday night.

The ballot question asks whether voters want to change the position of Franklin County treasurer from elected to appointed.

The board took no final action on either item.

Franklin County Commissioner Jeff Gilbert, a Jay resident, explained to the board and 13 attendees why commissioners put the measure on the ballot, citing the county's municipal accounting software, TRIO, and changing technology.

“We’ve got the technical stuff now, with TRIO and understanding that and talking with the accountants and how the future’s going to evolve with new technology,” Gilbert said. “We thought … it might be better to have it (the treasurer position) appointed by the commissioners that they (an appointed treasurer) would have their skill set, so different accountings and programmings of what we’re using.”

Franklin County voters defeated a similar question in 2021 by a vote of 7,500 to 2,407.

Gilbert, a Republican running for reelection Nov. 3, represents Jay and Chesterville.

Heidi Knight, a Jay resident and part-time county employee, questioned Gilbert about the expected cost of an appointed treasurer.

Knight pointed out that the current budget, which runs through June 30, 2027, allocates $23,404 for the part-time treasurer, $77,689 annually for a full-time bookkeeper and $30,147 for a part-time staff member.

“What are you looking for as the cost of an appointed treasurer?” Knight asked.

Gilbert said, “It’s safe to say we’re at about $80,000 to $90,000.”

Knight and Selectwoman Lee Ann Dalessandro both asked whether appointing a treasurer would eliminate outside services or existing county jobs.

“The county’s not even doing payroll. Is that something the appointed treasurer would take over?” Knight asked.

“We’ve still got to set it up,” Gilbert replied, “so it’s possible it would.”

In addition to the ballot question, the Nov. 3 election features a race for the elected treasurer seat between incumbent Democrat Pam Prodan and Republican Susan Pratt, the acting county administrator.

Gilbert said Carrie Castonguay, town manager of Livermore Falls and a Jay resident, is set to become county administrator Oct. 26, with Pratt remaining to assist during the transition.

If voters approve the transition to an appointed treasurer, the newly elected official would not serve. Under Title 30-A of the Maine statutes, "upon abolition of the position of elected county treasurer ... the county commissioners shall appoint a treasurer to serve at their will."

The statute further specifies that the appointee "must be qualified in matters of business administration and finance."

Gilbert noted, however, that the newly elected treasurer would likely remain in office temporarily.

"Somebody elected would probably stay on (through the budget year)," Gilbert said. "We've got people that can fill the position."

Dalessandro asked Gilbert how many of Maine’s 16 counties appoint their treasurer. Gilbert said he did not know, but Knight noted that three appoint and 13 elect the position.

Selectman Gary McGrane, a Democrat running against Gilbert for county commissioner, argued that an elected treasurer provides a vital check and balance on government.

“Anytime you eliminate an elected position, you’re taking the right away from voters,” McGrane said. “That’s how democracy gets eroded in this country, one step at a time.”

Gilbert did not ask the board for a formal statement of support regarding an appointed treasurer.

On the police cruiser issue, Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere requested board approval for Chief of Police Joseph Sage to gather new vehicle quotes from dealerships.

Sage was unable to attend the meeting due to a last-minute emergency.

LaFreniere told the board the town needs a replacement vehicle after a suspect fleeing police damaged a cruiser Sept. 26. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office reported that Craig Tracy of Jay rammed the police cruiser during a series of break-ins.

The town’s insurer deemed the cruiser, purchased secondhand from the Maine State Police, a total loss, determining repair costs would exceed its actual value.

LaFreniere said Jay could receive up to $8,000 from the insurer for the totaled vehicle. Alternatively, the town could retain the cruiser for spare parts. Jay has recently been buying used state police cars to save money.

LaFreniere noted that Sage typically solicits quotes rather than formal bids, allowing him to negotiate directly with dealerships regarding available models and police upgrade packages.

She added that Jay may need to look out of state to secure the best pricing, following an approach recently adopted by neighboring Wilton.

Last week, the Wilton Board of Selectpersons authorized spending $70,407 to purchase a pickup truck in Massachusetts for use as a police cruiser with off-road capability.

LaFreniere explained that acquiring a new cruiser would allow each officer to take a vehicle home after their shift. The practice can extend vehicle life through more efficient use and allow officers to respond faster in emergencies.

Jay resident Theresa Preble questioned why every officer requires an assigned cruiser.

LaFreniere responded that the town is negotiating take-home vehicles with the police union, noting that Farmington and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office already provide assigned cruisers for each officer.

Dalessandro said assigning a cruiser to each officer benefits taxpayers.

"The second they get into their car, they’re on duty," Dalessandro said. "Now, they have to come (to the town office) to get their cruiser."

She added that providing individual vehicles would help Jay compete with neighboring departments to recruit and retain officers.

"But do we have the money?" Preble asked, questioning the need to supply a vehicle for every officer when Jay typically has only one officer on patrol, with two working during busier shifts.

"We don’t buy the cruisers for the officers," Dalessandro replied. "We buy them for the town."

Without taking a formal vote, the board reached a consensus to allow Sage to seek cruiser quotes.

In other matters, the board appointed Preble as an alternate on the Planning Board.

Preble, who has publicly opposed a proposed large-scale solar development in Jay, told Monitor Local on Tuesday that she believes developers and residents can reach a compromise on the project's size.

Clint Brooks, who led a campaign to place a 180-day solar development moratorium on the Nov. 3 ballot , read a statement supporting Preble's nomination. He said the board needs members “who understand that development and conservation do not have to be opposing ideas.”

The board appointed Preble unanimously.

The board approved two tax abatements totaling $223 and $403, along with three sewer-fee abatements for $108, $297, and $95. All were recommended by Sewer Superintendent Mark Holt.

Following Holt’s recommendation, the board also denied two requested sewer abatements.

Additionally, the board accepted LaFreniere’s recommendation to review proposals from three real estate agencies to represent the town in selling properties foreclosed for unpaid taxes. LaFreniere opened the submissions during the meeting.

The board also renewed the liquor license for Backwoods Eatery & Tavern at 314 Main St.