Bill > LD1556

This bill proposes to increase the number of Kennebec County commissioners from 3 to 5 through a multi-step process. The Kennebec County commissioners may establish an apportionment commission to develop a plan with maps for creating five commissioner districts by October 1, 2026. The plan must specify initial terms, with two commissioners serving 2-year terms and three commissioners serving 4-year terms. In November 2026, the county will hold a referendum where voters will decide whether to approve increasing the number of commissioner districts. If the referendum passes by a majority vote, the apportionment commission must submit the plan to the state legislature by January 15, 2027 for enactment. If approved, the first election for the new five-member board would take place in November 2028. This approach allows for a deliberative process of expanding county representation, giving voters direct input on changing the county's governance structure and ensuring a staggered implementation of the new commissioner districts.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1556&snum=132