Sheriff reports high pretrial stays as commissioners authorize surplus sale and new vests

Sheriff Todd Brackett told the Lincoln County Commissioners at their May 5 meeting that the county jail's morning population totaled 140 inmates — Lincoln 39, Sagadahoc 16, Knox 52, Penobscot 41 and Federal 2 — and that pretrial lengths of stay are "quite high compared to other counties" and continue to remain high. He said pretrial inmates are not allowed to participate in work crews for local community or nonprofit projects, which reduces the department's ability to assist local efforts.

The board unanimously authorized the sheriff to sell surplus equipment identified by work-release inmates, including lightbars, cages and computer mounts, after Brackett reported those items were no longer needed. Commissioners also approved a budgeted purchase authorization of $10,362 for six replacement ballistic vests to replace expired vests.

Finance Director Michelle Kane presented the warrants earlier in the meeting; routine financial items (Warrant #51 for $595,126.38 and Payroll Warrant #2026-9 for $268,211.05) were approved by 3-0 votes before the sheriff's report.

Commissioners did not attach additional conditions to the surplus sale or the vests purchase. The approvals were recorded as unanimous motions (movers and seconders noted in the minutes). The sheriff's concern about high pretrial lengths of stay was recorded for the public record; no further action on pretrial policy or alternatives was taken at the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the commissioners is scheduled for May 19, 2026.