The state budget shortfall has trickled down to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset in the form of potential layoffs and pod closures.
Addressing the Jail Authority during its regular monthly meeting Dec. 10, Corrections Administrator Mark Westrum said the newly-formed state Board of Corrections visited TBRJ earlier in the day and gave it the highest possible rating: 100 percent.
That is the good news, Westrum said. However, he said, “The bad news is we’re not going to be able to keep some people employed here.”
People who might be affected by the layoffs include those recently hired as corrections officers. Westrum said he spoke with staff about what could happen next year if the state defaults as expected on its budget support of the jail.
According to Westrum, an anticipated reduction in state revenue could well eliminate as many as eight or nine positions and force the closing of at least two housing pods. He informed board members that without the necessary support from the state, the jail is not taking in any more boarders.
