The governing body of Two Bridges Regional Jail continues to negotiate a long-term contract to board Penobscot County inmates.
During a special meeting Wednesday, Aug. 1, the Lincoln and Sagadahoc Multicounty Jail Authority Board of Directors voted for the second time in two months to authorize its chair to sign such a contract.
The board took a similar vote, to authorize the chair to negotiate and sign a deal within certain parameters, July 11.
According to the jail’s head administrator, Col. James Bailey, Penobscot County made an offer outside those parameters, so the board had to revisit the issue.
The Aug. 1 vote followed an executive session. After the closed-door talks, the board returned to public session.
Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry made a motion to authorize board Chair Peter Lepari and Bailey to continue talks with Penobscot County, and Lepari to sign a contract with Penobscot County, under the parameters discussed in the executive session.
Lincoln County Commissioner Mary Trescot seconded the motion and the board approved it.
The jail has been housing Penobscot County inmates under a short-term agreement.
The board’s next meeting will take place Sept. 12.
