Washington County budget panel faults commissioners for sending preliminary spending plan with no cuts

Washington County budget spikes 27.6% amid demands for cuts

Spending requests total $17.1 million, an increase of $3.7 million, or 27.6%, over last year’s final budget.

Washington County budget panel faults commissioners for sending preliminary spending plan with no cuts

The Washington County Superior Court in Machias, where the county's administrative offices are located. Photo by Judith Meyer.MACHIAS — The Washington County Budget Advisory Committee began work Tuesday on the fiscal 2027 spending plan, expressing frustration that county commissioners forwarded a draft budget without attempting any cuts first. Committee Chairman Brian Schuth emphasized to members that the budget they received reflects department…