Ellsworth is investing approximately $33,000 in upgrading its City Hall security after a rise in threats from members of the public has left some city staff feeling unsafe.
Since summer of 2025, Ellsworth city staff have faced a surge in threatening interactions with the public, ranging from accusations of corruption and misconduct to allegations of personal wrongdoing, according to Deputy City Manager Sara Devlin.
Staff have been told by members of the public “your time is coming” and “I look forward to ending you,” Devlin said.
To counter the escalating pattern, officials have installed an intercom system to manage entry and communication within City Hall and access control measures for certain office areas. Although the new hardware has been installed, the system is not yet operational, Devlin said.
On advice from police, Devlin said the city would not release which specific offices have received the upgrades or details on their configurations, so as not to compromise their effectiveness.
Previously, the public had unrestricted access to City Hall’s first and second floors, the latter of which houses Ellsworth’s assessing, code enforcement, planning, economic development, communications, parks and facilities departments.
Once operational, the public will be expected to schedule appointments ahead of time to reach the second floor departments, all of which will require a key fob for access, according to a city memo from Information Technology Director Jason Ingalls. Future plans will also add controlled access to the entire building, Devlin said.
A video intercom system will be used to communicate with walk-in visitors, according to the memo.
The next planned measures, which will require city council approval, will involve installing electronic locks on the glass doors leading to the city manager and technology offices, both of which are on the first floor, according to the memo.
“Staff have also experienced frequent disruptions during meetings with consultants and professional partners, including confrontational demands and assertions,” according to a recent city memo. “Employees have received accusatory emails and verbal comments alleging misconduct, including references to staff members’ private property and personal lives.
Still, Devlin said the decision to upgrade City Hall’s security system was not in response to “any single incident or individual,” rather it was based on a “broader review of building security and operational needs dating back to 2024.”
Devlin said the improvements are part of a safety plan developed over a year ago by the Ellsworth Police Department and designed to balance staff security and the public’s access to City Hall.