MADISON, Maine — Leaders of a Maine town that is struggling with a loss of tax revenue are proposing to save money by dissolving the local police department.
Madison, Maine, selectmen say the town would hand over law enforcement duties to the Somerset County Sheriff's Department. The town plans to hold a public hearing on the plan.
The lowered assessment of the Madison Paper Industries mill hit the town hard and left local leaders looking for ways to reduce municipal costs. Police Chief Barry Moores also recently announced his retirement.
The Morning Sentinel reports the town of about 4,800 pays about $610,000 for law enforcement and will be able to save about $130,000 annually by contracting with the sheriff's department.