“We Have Exhausted Our Fund Balances” — Cushing On The Rising Cost Of County Jails - Part ONE

Send us Fan Mail

🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Andre Cushing — Part One

“We Have Exhausted Our Fund Balances” — Cushing On The Rising Cost Of County Jails

In Part One, Andre Cushing, Chair of the Penobscot County Commissioners and President of the Maine County Commissioners Association, joins Corenna and David Quirk in studio to explain how county government works in Maine and why counties are facing growing budget pressure.

Cushing outlines the core responsibilities counties oversee, including county jails, 911 emergency call centers, emergency management, and rural law enforcement support. He explains that rising corrections costs now make up roughly 45–50% of a county budget, placing increasing strain on local finances.

Penobscot County, he says, has relied on reserve funds for several years to bridge the gap between jail operating costs and available revenue. “We have exhausted our fund balances,” Cushing explains, describing the financial reality that led to a recent county budget increase.

The conversation also covers the county’s plan for a modern correctional facility designed to better address the growing number of inmates entering the system with medical, mental health, and substance use needs. Cushing discusses how expanded in-house services could reduce costly hospital transports and overtime for corrections staff.

The episode also explores jail overcrowding, the cost of boarding inmates in other counties, and the growing challenges facing rural emergency services, where staffing shortages are pushing communities toward more regional cooperation.

📻 Airs weekends on VOM (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & The Voice of Maine App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.

Pre-recorded, produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.