Commissioners okay opioid settlement, York County Jail vendors, more in busy business session

 ALFRED – York County Commissioners recently approved a new food service vendor and a new commissary vendor for York County Jail, agreed to take part in two proposed opioid settlements that could result in about $600,000 coming into the county coffers, and made several hiring decisions.

York County received an estimated $4.6 million in an initial opioid settlement from pharmaceutical companies three years ago, to be spread out over 18 years, with 15 years remaining. Commissioners at that time agreed to earmark those funds to go toward the new York County Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Center, currently under construction.

The amount of the two additional proposed settlements – one from Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, and the second from an array of pharmaceutical companies  –  could total about $600,000, but the figure depends on how many entities opt in to the settlements, York County Manager Greg Zinser told commissioners at their Aug. 6 meeting. The money from these proposed settlements is also intended for the recovery center.

The business meeting saw the five-member county commission engage a new vendor to provide food service at York County Jail. Trinity Services Group of Oldsmar, Florida was among three requests for proposals received and after review, was recommended by Sheriff William L. King and York County Jail Administrator Lori Marks. The award is contingent on final figures to be determined based on menu and food costs. Inmate food service costs were $513,272 in fiscal year 2023, $567,573 in fiscal year 2024, and $589,225 in the 2025 fiscal year, according to figures from the county’s finance department.

Commissioners also approved the recommendations of King and Marks on a new commissary vendor, Keefe Commissary Network of Edison, New Jersey, from the two proposals received. A commissary allows inmates to purchase hygiene items, snacks  and clothing like socks and underclothing – in all, 342 available items from this vendor as opposed to the 207 items available from the sole other bidder.

Both chosen vendors  scored high on the review by King and Marks for experienced management, thorough screening of employees and a higher pay rate for employees. As well, the food vendor is prepared to fund a complete upgrade of equipment at no cost to the county with the provision that the five-year contract is followed as presented. The new commissary vendor would provide a commission, with the amount to be negotiated, which is used to provide programs for inmates.

King noted that the commissary program is funded solely by purchases. “The companies charge what one would expect to pay in a gas station or small convenience store,” for items, King said.

King and Marks noted that Keefe Commissary Network is the vendor of choice for 11 Maine counties and the Maine Department of Corrections.

King said the food services vendor Trinity Services Group and Keefe Commissary Network work together.

“They are the “go to” companies in Maine,” he said.

Commissioners approved the expenditure of $33,000 to repair and resurface eight showers in a housing unit at York County Jail. As well, they approved the purchase of an ambulance patient compartment classroom simulator, a washer/extractor and dryer and close quarters training equipment for law enforcement for the new York County Regional Training Center. Currently under construction.

Commissioners agreed to hire Patricia Murray as Executive Administrative Assistant to the County Manager following the July 31 retirement of  former executive assistant Kathryn Dumont. Murray, who will begin her new job Sept 2, has been Town Clerk in Berwick for the past 10 years and has worked in municipal government in other capacities.

Travis McDonald, Mathiew Duross, and Elliott Payne were hired as reserve Hazmat Technicians, and commissioners approved the transfer of part-time court security officer John Willey to reserve status.

Commissioners also approved updates to the County Purchasing Policy to mirror federal purchasing requirements when using funds awarded by the U.S. government.

The meeting was expected to be the last on the commission’s summer schedule of one meeting a month in June, July and August. Unless it appears another meeting is required in August, York County Commissioners return to a twice-a month schedule in September, with meetings set for 4:30 p.m. Sept. 3 and 17 at the York County Government Building, 149 Jordan Springs Road, Alfred. Meetings are also available live online via Zoom. Agendas and minutes for all commissioner’s meetings, and video of past meetings,  are found here: www.https://yorkcountymaine.gov/commissionersmeetings

York County Commissioners conducted a busy meeting earlier this month. Among other decisions, the five member board agreed to engage a new food service vendor and a new commissary vendor at York County Jail. Here, a trusty inmate working in the jail kitchen pours cornbread batter onto a pan in this 2024 file photo.

York County Commissioners approved the refurbishment of eight showers in one of the housing units at York County Jail at a recent meeting, and also approved a new food service vendor and a new commissary vendor for the facility. The board approved a pair of proposed opioid settlements, and also made several hiring decisions.