Washington County is on the brink of a major upgrade to its public safety infrastructure, with the upcoming completion of a state-of-the-art facility in Machias. This $5.5 million project, primarily funded by $6.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, is set to centralize and modernize law enforcement operations, offering expanded space and improved coordination among agencies.

The newly constructed two-story public safety building will house the sheriff’s office, jail administration, and various law enforcement divisions under one roof, alleviating the constraints posed by outdated facilities. The project’s completion, initially projected for March, is now set for April due to minor supply chain delays, said Washington County manager Renée Gray.

“We’re actually very encouraged it’s still projected to be finished by the end of March, but the cleaning date is set for April,” Gray said, highlighting the minimal delay.

A Long-Awaited Upgrade for Law Enforcement

Designed by Port City Architecture and built by Sheridan Construction of Fairfield, the facility represents a dramatic shift from the 1858 historic building that currently houses the sheriff’s office. The old structure, while rich in history, lacked the space and modern capabilities required for today’s law enforcement operations.

Once complete, the building will include designated offices for the sheriff, chief deputy, patrol deputies, detectives, an administrative assistant, and civil process staff. Jail administration and IT departments will also be relocated here, and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency will be leased a space, further consolidating public safety efforts within the county.

Addressing a Surge in Calls for Service

Local law enforcement officials believe that bringing all county law enforcement offices together in one facility will not only improve communication and coordination but will also provide room for future growth. The need for expansion has become increasingly apparent due to the rapid increase in calls for service over the past decade.

‍

“In 2015, the RCC received 4,453 calls for service; in 2024, approximately 9,900 calls came in,” said chief deputy Michael Crabtree, underscoring the growing demand for public safety resources.

The existing sheriff’s office building will not go unused, however. According to jail administrator Rich Rolfe, it will be repurposed to accommodate the offices of two jail lieutenants. Moving jail administration out of the crowded jail facility will free up much-needed space.

“My former office will be used as storage for equipment and uniform items that are currently spread far and wide,” Rolfe said.

Enhancing Jail Facilities

The relocation of sheriff’s office staff allows for reorganization within the jail itself. One of the vacated offices will be converted into a law library, providing a dedicated meeting space for attorneys and their clients, as well as for other legal discussions involving inmates.

“This will free up space in the first floor of the jail where meeting space is always at a premium,” Rolfe explained.

The second vacated office, which contains equipment that cannot be accessed by unsupervised inmates, will serve as a resource area for staff. It will be used primarily for online training, report completion, and meetings with shift supervisors.

District Attorney’s Office Relocation and Additional Investments

The project’s scope extends beyond the sheriff’s office and jail. The Washington County district attorney’s office has also seen a transformation, thanks to ARPA funding. The previous office was demolished to make way for the new public safety building, necessitating a move to a different location. To accommodate the transition, the county purchased and refurbished the former Talbot & Talbot Law office building at a cost of $229,227, with an additional $40,000 in costs still outstanding, according to county treasurer Jill Holmes.

While refurbishing older buildings provides an option for administrative space, Gray noted that it comes with challenges, particularly higher maintenance requirements.

“We’re very excited to say this project is still within budget, utilizing solely ARPA funds. We’ll all be grateful when the project is finished,” she said, emphasizing the project’s financial responsibility.

Additionally, $366,044 in ARPA funds has been allocated to upgrade the county’s dispatch services. The investment in new Motorola software aims to improve the reliability of the Regional Communications Center (RCC), ensuring efficient dispatching for emergency responders throughout Washington County.

Looking Ahead

As the county nears the finish line on this ambitious public safety project, officials are optimistic about the long-term benefits it will bring to both law enforcement personnel and the community they serve. The facility’s design not only modernizes county law enforcement infrastructure but also lays the foundation for future expansions should the need arise.

By bringing together multiple law enforcement and public safety functions under one roof, Washington County is taking a proactive approach to enhancing efficiency, safety, and preparedness for years to come. With its grand opening set for April, the community will soon witness the culmination of a project that represents a significant investment in public safety and count