The Two Bridges Regional Jail Authority approved an extension with Penobscot County to board inmates for another 90 days at the current rate.

The decision followed an executive session.

Programs Officer Charlie McCue was honored after being named Maine Sheriff’s Association’s Corrections Officer of the Year.  McCue has over 30 years in corrections, mostly in Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties.

Nick Bakelmun of Southern Midcoast Stand Up for Racial Justice asked if Two Bridges would be involved with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold undocumented immigrants awaiting court dates.

Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett and Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry said there had been communication with ICE, but that neither had any interest in holding people in advance of trial, or “detainers.” ICE got in touch to discuss holding inmates who had already had their day in court.

“We returned their calls, but they haven’t been back in touch,” Merry said.

The authority discussed the budget, which is still under budget because the jail has not been able to hire all the personnel budgeted for this fiscal year. The jail is down seven people. However, the jail will be hosting the Criminal Justice Academy on April 16, which could jump start the training process for four new hires. The budget is expected to be prepared in time for the May meeting, or possibly a special June meeting.