Whether or not Gov. Paul LePage elects to put out a supplemental budget could have local consequences, especially at Two Bridges Regional Jail.

Board of Corrections Executive Director Ryan Thornell and financial analyst Mallory Pollard were in attendance during the Wednesday, Nov. 12 jail authority meeting to discuss the current issues facing the board of corrections and county jails.

Thornell said that he and Pollard had been making the rounds to the county jails to talk to the boards and officials about what has been going on at the state level, including news about the possibility of a supplemental budget.

Thornell said a request for an additional $2 million has been put forth for extra funding, but that no word would come down to the local level until December or January.

“If the governor decides to make a supplemental budget like last time, we could go to the appropriations committee,” Thornell said.

Thornell said that Two Bridges is in a good position, as the Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties jail has submitted every financial report on time and takes on inmates whenever possible.

Fixing jail infrastructure

Recently, the jail has had to undergo several renovations.

But the problems weren't unforeseen.

Administrator Mark Westrum said the jail's drainage issues have been known for a while, but recently actions have been taken to try and alleviate the problem.

“Soon after the jail first opened we ran into problems,” he said. “The walkway started to sink and there wasn't enough drainage, so water would drain into the walkway by the sally port and turn it into a small pond.”

In the main entrance to the jail, the cement has been cleared away and the foundation for the pillars outside will be strengthened and work will be done to fix the drainage problem, Westrum said.

On the back side of the building, by the employees break room, a steep walkway will give way to stairs and hand-held railings.

“Even though it's shoveled and sanded, (the walkway) gets slippery and we've actually had people fall down and have to file for workman's comp,” Westrum said.