Training Opportunities 

Building Code Training - Fall 2011

Building Standards Exam Registration Form  - Fall 2011

Introduction to Government Contracting Sept 2011

Basic Training for Local Plumbing Inspectors Sept, 2011

Maine Septic Conference, Aug, 2011

Shoreland Zoning - Spring 2011

Court Rule 80K - June 29, 2011

Legal Issues - June 28, 2011

Energy Code Training Dates

We also provide regular notices about training offered by the Maine Municipal Association and the State Planning Office.

Your Community by the Numbers Workshop will be held in Machias, Calais and Caribou on Dec 14, 2011.    Learn how to use the American FactFinder data retrieval tool on the Census Bureau web site to get data for grant writing, market research and planning for economic development. Details on time, locations and registration available here. Handouts and presentation materials include:

Data Sets Reference Tool (501KB PDF)

Workshop powerpoint presentation (684KB )PDF

MachiasME Data Profile (107KB PDF)

To schedule a training for one of your boards, please contact Judy East (454-0465).

 Resource Library 
WCCOG also offers an extensive library with publications on many topics of interest to municipal officials. This includes US Census data, Comprehensive Planning and Watershed Planning resources, soils maps, videotapes on various topics such as code enforcement, subdivision review and water quality.

 Code Enforcement Officer Testing and Training Information 
Code Enforcement Officers can arrange to take their Certification Maintenance tests in the WCCOG office in Calais and avoid driving all the way to Augusta - all tests are available, please contact Judy East (454-0465) to arrange a time.

The Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code was adopted in 2009. The State Planning Office is developing training and certification programs in cooperation with the Department of Public Safety. Questions about the new Code and training are available here. The form from the State Planning Office for you to obtain credit for outside training is available for here.

 GIS Mapping Services 

The Washington County Council of Governments (WCCOG) offers a variety of GIS mapping services to area communities. WCCOG can assist communities by creating:

• Comprehensive Plan Maps
• Maps to support zoning and land use regulation ordinances
• Updated Shoreland Zoning Maps
• Maps of significant natural and cultural resources
• Aerial photography and land cover maps with recently updated data
• Other custom mapping projects

Examples of recent mapping projects include maps of Beddington draft Shoreland Zoning, Cherryfield's Historic Overlay District, and Machiasport's Proposed Mooring Configuration for Bucks Harbor.

Maps can be delivered in a variety of digital and print formats, including poster-sized wall maps.

In addition to map creation, WCCOG can work with communities to create customized spatial data sets and conduct spatial analysis for a variety of purposes using geographic information systems (GIS) software. WCCOG has also worked with several communities to digitize tax parcel data through the GIS Service Center at UMM.

Grant funding is available to assist with some mapping and spatial analysis projects. For more information about WCCOG Mapping Services or to discuss how WCCOG's spatial analysis services can support decision making in your community, please contact Judy East (454-0465).

 Town Documents  
Member municipalities with no web sites of their own can post documents on the WCCOG web site. Most commonly residents and visitors seek access to local regulations and ordinances.

WCCOG is a municipal membership organization that delivers a wide range of customized planning, advisory
and resources development services to help communities build the future of Washington County, Maine.

Washington County Council of Gov'ts
PO Box 631, Calais, ME 04619
(207) 454-0465 Fax: (207) 454-2568
Toll free (888) 287-3006