At its meeting on October 14, 2025, the Brewer City Council voted unanimously to adopt a public letter addressed to the Penobscot County Commissioners expressing serious concern about the County’s financial management and its growing impact on municipal budgets.

In the letter, the Council highlighted the County’s significant negative fund balance of $4.5 million and noted that since 2021, Penobscot County has approved unbalanced jail budgets averaging $2.7 million in annual deficits, resulting in approximately $10 million in accumulated shortfalls. Councilors expressed frustration that these structural financial issues are placing increasing burdens on local taxpayers.

While acknowledging that the State of Maine has underfunded county jails and acknowledging the the need for a new jail, the Council emphasized that “the County’s years of inaction have placed the weight of this fiscal crisis squarely on the backs of municipalities.” The City noted that 43% of Brewer’s FY26 tax increase, $237,349, was directly attributable to the County’s tax hike.

The Council’s letter urged the County Commissioners to adopt more disciplined spending practices and to develop a sustainable, transparent financial plan that does not rely solely on municipalities to absorb the cost of ongoing deficits. It also called for greater municipal involvement in the County’s budget process, suggesting reforms to how local governments can participate in financial oversight.

Mayor Michele LaBree Daniels read the letter aloud during the Council meeting, underscoring Brewer’s position that “the time for vague reassurances and timelines has passed” and that “real solutions are needed to protect both public safety and the fiscal stability of the communities the County serves.”

The City’s letter was formally adopted and sent to the Penobscot County Commissioners following the meeting.

Read the full letter here