AUGUSTA — Maine’s county jails could run out of money before the end of June unless more than half a million in cuts are found.

The state predicts that fourth-quarter payments to Maine’s 15 county jails will fall short by about $560,000.

Mark Westrum, chairman of the Maine Board of Corrections, says a state curtailment of more than $160,000 is further squeezing the books.

The nine-member board began deciding how they’ll measure the needs of counties and widely different facilities and needs.

Westrum says the Board of Corrections hopes to weigh all variables before it decides where to cut. Some decisions could come at its next meeting, scheduled for Feb. 19.

Randall Greenwood, chairman of the Androscoggin County Commission, tells the Sun Journal his jail already runs a tight ship.


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