[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6164266,"mediaKeyId","5429132-2a5f2385cb488f8f3d98443c85cd34a3","parentId",5429132,"title","Finance staff: audit draft expected soon; DWSRF application submitted and short-term loan planned","audioSeconds",297,"startMs",880000,"endMs",1177000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429132-2a5f2385cb488f8f3d98443c85cd34a3&start=880&end=1177","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429132-2a5f2385cb488f8f3d98443c85cd34a3/thumbnail_880000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6164266/Maine/Finance-staff-audit-draft-expected-soon-DWSRF-application-submitted-and-short-term-loan-planned","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164266-636e9411335648439da6823a23741885/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108754&Signature=NU3Y1ig3E9h1EXv95R9lSsfPygad8G7zBza8jfbR4ILbI0Q0ZUcrZy1F2GKYJYoOKQnYr0BBknZdcVKvFhYyTS72tLo9uzMv5vknmdvrbN9Diif4cTNNTq7b9ikNuqEk-v9X6dYO8uH2S7bYX2JE8OObXtI8gG~x5pekzM5kOTJPsc-aHAkPLsKyWzdU0nprt5TX39PLLgE09zv0Mcgx2kniYjt60mR6A~gEk3NKqjVClxqjiQm6IJznPkTjoit~dPr9~O~QSCJJWQzRuAbCK4QcFMwVl9SOG7kgbltDdC63IujpS8ox~YrH8Rr9zzYJBtNUj-47YB5qHicSATpN9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-19T15:24:51.363Z","article","Finance staff told the council they had submitted the capacity review portion of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) application to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank and expected final loan approval at the bank’s August meeting. Nate, staff member, said, “They have everything they need. We are going to get the the loan. It we were hoping to get it in July. It looks like it's gonna be, set for August.”

Staff also updated the council on the city audit. Nate said he received an email from RHR indicating the auditors had the information they needed and that councilmembers would see a draft audit for review before the final stamped version. When asked, Nate confirmed the document the council will first see will be a draft rather than the final stamped audit and said staff expect to arrange a review session with the auditor.

On project financing, staff described a short-term bank borrowing to bridge funding for the Surrey Road project while the DWSRF loan is finalized. Staff said the intent of the short-term borrowing is to cover obligations for a short period (staff estimated “2 months max” in a packet example) and then repay the temporary loan once the DWSRF financing closes. In response to a council question about loan sizing, Nate said he requested a $2,000,000 borrowing capacity so the city would have headroom to draw what was needed rather than repeat the process.

Staff also reported that, as of the previous day, all four major bank accounts had been fully reconciled through the month of June; Nate thanked Ashley and the finance team for completing that work.

Ending: Staff told the council they will share the audit draft when available, return with details about the short-term borrowing on Monday, and proceed after the Maine Municipal Bond Bank’s August meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Finance Committee Meeting - July 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Finance staff reported they expect an audit draft from RHR soon, submitted a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) capacity review to the Maine Municipal Bond Bank, and described a short-term bank loan (BAN) to bridge Surrey Road project funding until DWSRF approval; staff said all major bank accounts were reconciled through June.","taxTitle","Finance Committee, Ellsworth, Hancock, Maine","taxId",70091,"location","Maine","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6164268,"Council moves to earlier FY27 budget planning, prioritize major items and reduce meetings",254,595000,849000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429132-2a5f2385cb488f8f3d98443c85cd34a3&start=595&end=849","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429132-2a5f2385cb488f8f3d98443c85cd34a3/thumbnail_595000.jpg","/articles/6164268/Maine/Council-moves-to-earlier-FY27-budget-planning-prioritize-major-items-and-reduce-meetings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164268-ddbf128d47920b29e778cc8f9ae9f56d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108754&Signature=Mya2ZB02Pg6uDzbQv~Qfv-mEg7wnffSQgddknQFFxNbG1wiU3l5bkOVQUmaiYthAuh3DfVOaLH6rGcQL8zsJed9llJ3x2Y3uuJfsRne0F633din45Mc5VUUUC~q0wJTG-mjITVSWeCBnPWNiqeKHL12pXbHiYwymt3jT~F4ZueUcKMiVE7pIWvDSzfIdkwQu0cLHTrmhbzrQUxsyLQ8bjbc7pt-EYInAA9jX15Hl9hH3Qdt8U70ioiaMVkVQM6JwpJAYATz3Vs-aYHrmbIdc73dUQzbx-uzU--h8HFmzb4RORJhI-E5YoYrHZ7ttlLt-cbOSn4ru3KOtUYXy-qelXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmembers discussed an earlier and more focused approach to preparing the FY27 budget, proposing strategic planning and prioritization so the council can reduce the number of line-by-line budget meetings. Councilmember (Speaker 1) said the council would “probably in, like, October, November, really moving that forward” instead of starting heavy preparation in early January.

Why it matters: the council seeks to balance two goals: passing a sound budget and ensuring members understand the budget. Members proposed grouping departments that kept spending within a CPI-level increase into single review evenings and saving more time for departments requesting larger changes. Councilmember (Speaker 1) suggested a pre-budget planning session for the council to identify the items that require deep review so those items are placed at the top of evening agendas.

Members also flagged specific programs they expect to scrutinize next year; one member noted solid waste as an item that “we're gonna have to be digging into a lot more” because of key policy areas and budget constraints. Staff said they will meet internally and come back to the council with a proposed process, timeline and suggested prioritization matrix.

Ending: Staff and council agreed to continue internal planning and return to the council with a timeline and a prioritized approach to FY27 budget preparations.","Councilmembers said they will begin FY27 budget planning earlier (targeting October–November) with an emphasis on prioritizing significant changes, grouping low-change departments and reducing the number of budget hearings.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6164272,"Council debates frequency and format of finance meetings, workshop role",123,249000,372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429132-2a5f2385cb488f8f3d98443c85cd34a3&start=249&end=372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429132-2a5f2385cb488f8f3d98443c85cd34a3/thumbnail_249000.jpg","/articles/6164272/Maine/Council-debates-frequency-and-format-of-finance-meetings-workshop-role","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164272-8a3948092d6d918d8c88fec41fabfc3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108754&Signature=nk4H0MeNaF9iOM9C9QKIxHaAJte-p6DlK~KR5ORfkEOysCIcXuG2txupOQcheW89rSeOrLD3Th5aEIqaw64m8tvhgHr1EDo0jrhell7VSXglwM~QxfESyCfiMfT-N-CuFxuXOUHhUkqaPNW4cjuvtIUYRsLP0BDRKBUSPkl3xSeIM4I8C0ia-w3hfSWtZYxeq~0OIW~PlRtdbK4ipEjOMhCYgytaF6lwsan~XebK9jvIVCpCtf36ZpEXY4ng-9eGNk2r4E3ilem00Ws8rsggsQ9ZZ25P3oAnhR7el8I8vrwdZO88LrBaArsjqKor0B5L17zzQ0rDFHNDegKet1qWuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmembers debated how often and where to hold finance-focused work as they design an upcoming workshop schedule and consider a potential four-day municipal work week. Councilmember (Speaker 1) recommended “1 finance committee meeting, a month” with the option for ad hoc meetings; Councilmember (Speaker 4) urged weekly finance meetings, saying, “I think it needs to be 1 time per week.”

Why it matters: the council is reworking meeting schedules and the potential shift to a Monday–Thursday municipal work week could change availability and room usage for Friday meetings. The frequency and format of finance meetings affect transparency, staff workload and council preparation time for budget and financial oversight.

Key discussion points included whether to fold regular finance review into standing workshops or keep finance as a distinct, recurring meeting. Some councilmembers favored a monthly or biweekly finance committee with ad hoc sessions for complex items and virtual participation options; others warned that moving finance into workshops could “cloud the spirit of the workshop” and reduce the regular, consistent financial oversight they believe is necessary.

Councilmembers also discussed meeting times — several said they preferred morning meetings for the “different vibe” they bring — and the potential to hold fewer, more focused budget meetings by prioritizing items where staff needs council attention. No formal decision was made during the discussion; members asked staff to revisit the topic when additional council members are present at a later workshop.

Ending: Councilmembers asked staff to return with options and to discuss the schedule again when more members, including Tammy, can participate.","Councilmembers discussed whether to keep weekly finance meetings, move finance work into monthly workshops, or adopt a hybrid; opinions split between keeping a dedicated weekly finance meeting and consolidating some work into workshops with ad hoc options.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6164277,"Council requests itemized invoice after city property auction proceeds reported",187,0,187000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429132-2a5f2385cb488f8f3d98443c85cd34a3&start=0&end=187","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429132-2a5f2385cb488f8f3d98443c85cd34a3/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6164277/Maine/Council-requests-itemized-invoice-after-city-property-auction-proceeds-reported","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164277-e8a0b1df41de64c5904d3ea070b4077e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108754&Signature=lX8rQCGD4T65gnegEUJBqhT8xfpbdbSHaKMPo0VuS43QfKdgKiSjKx8D2aw8Ehr1tkqc8k-ejuv63TD1~fkMv1BYSHPJZZPIFmQv4ZJkOTP5yOn4TBFRxuhuE0vJL~IVtKyJ5cHVlj8oXc57KVJkPxBAhWrAdQj~sLGcS~cWpPxp9zpkFqRTDcLoP-BoFXakbAddmLAzCs-081K7HUg45vNbdmYkj60eEz0dmI-xpVc9di5cwerSeKREG~a~yDga3NiLT~hNc0z4zzgZAsMNTl9skSIxTtYc5EH4mQG9ObQIFsgzSQEIpnnuF50kGH0DMnAzN92YWK8oy~jPJBnLaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During a council workshop discussion, councilmembers asked staff for detailed backup on proceeds from a recent property auction and the fees withheld before the city returns funds to the property owner. Councilmember (Speaker 2) said the memo shows a “total purchase price of a $148,500” and asked for documentation that explains how city receipts were computed. Councilmember (Speaker 2) asked specifically for “a copy of that Kenan bill” and an itemization of taxes, assessments, fees and the city’s costs. Staff member (Speaker 5) replied, “Yeah. I can get that for you,” and said related material would be placed in the packet for the next meeting.

Why it matters: the council is preparing an agenda item that would return auction proceeds to a property owner; members requested source documentation to verify fees charged by the auctioneer and the calculation that produced the $19,024.01 figure shown in the memo.

Councilmembers identified three numeric figures they wanted clarified: the high bid at auction ($148,500), the auction company fees shown in the memo (reported as $10,009.18), and the total amount listed as due to the city ($19,024.01). Speaker 2 asked staff to provide the auction company’s invoice or a detailed proceeds statement showing how percentages and advertising or other charges were calculated, noting the percentages “don’t come out to the normal amount.” Staff said they would pull the prior meeting’s packet where a breakdown appeared and would include the invoice or proceeds documentation in the next packet.

Discussion vs. next steps: the exchange was a request for supporting documents rather than a formal action. Staff agreed to include an itemized invoice/receipt and the prior breakdown in the upcoming meeting packet so the full council can review the calculations before any funds are returned to the property owner.

Ending: Councilmembers reiterated they want the full itemization and supporting invoice in the packet for the next council meeting; staff committed to providing those documents.","Councilmembers asked staff to provide itemized backup for a recent auction that produced a high bid of $148,500 and accounting showing $19,024.01 due to the city; staff said the packet and supporting documents will be provided before the next meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Finance staff: audit draft expected soon; DWSRF application submitted and short-term loan planned

Council moves to earlier FY27 budget planning, prioritize major items and reduce meetings

Council debates frequency and format of finance meetings, workshop role

Council requests itemized invoice after city property auction proceeds reported