By C1 Staff
AUGUSTA — Maine lawmakers proposed amending an emergency funding bill to provide about $2.2 million to five county jails facing significant budget deficits.
The Press Herald reports that the jails are on course to run out of operating funds before close of the fiscal year June 30.
Governor Paul LePage turned down requests in January for additional funding, saying he wouldn’t release more money unless the state takes over jail operations or the control is returned to county governments.
The proposal would allow the governor to appoint an independent “receiver,” who would assume powers and duties above the current Board of Corrections and decide which jails receive funding and how much.
Those against the proposal believe it expands the governor’s power too much, as he already has the ability to appoint people to the Board of Corrections. LePage currently won’t nominate candidates for vacancies, as he believes the board is ineffective.
Two of the remaining board members support the emergency funding proposal.
The bill will be considered by the budget committee on Friday.