Program Agenda
8:00 – 8:45 am Registration, Breakfast & Networking (Visit with Sponsors)
8:45 – 9:00 am Welcome, Introduction of All Attendees, Certification Presentation
9:00 - 10:15 am Legal Update for Municipalities
This session will provide an overview and selective detailed discussion regarding recent developments and trends in Maine and federal law relating to issues facing Maine’s municipalities. Topics may include public labor relations, disciplinary actions, personnel records, and more. The program will use recent cases from around the country to discuss emerging legal issues and provide practical guidance.
Presenter:
Cameron Ferrante, Partner, Preti Flaherty
(MTCMA Certification: 1.25 credits in Legal OR Human Resources category)
10:15 – 11:15 am Understanding your Municipalities Financial Health
This session is designed to help Managers understand the core financial parameters lenders evaluate when reviewing a municipal borrowing request—and why those same metrics are valuable tools for ongoing financial management.
Presenter:
John Simko, Senior Vice President, Director of Government Banking,
Androscoggin Bank
(MTCMA Certification: 1 credit in Finance OR Leadership category)
11:15 - 11:30 am Break & Networking (Visit with Sponsors)
11:30 – 12:30pm Contract Negotiations: Responding to Rising Wage Demands & Non-Wage Benefit Options
This session will offer discussion on how to contend with the demand for higher wages to stay competitive while contending with the rising cost of health care. We will discuss current trends and how the workforce has more a focus on work homelife balance that has enabled employers to focus on alternatives to wage increase during contract negotiations.
Presenters:
Connor P. Schratz, Attorney, Drummond Woodsum & Jared Mills, City Manager, City of Augusta
(MTCMA Certification: 1 credit in Human Resources OR Leadership category)
12:30 – 1:15 pm Lunch & Networking (Visit with Sponsors)
1:15 – 2:15 pm PFML Update & Overtime Rules
Maine’s Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) program launches in 2026. Join Ann for a timely overview of key PFML changes, along with important updates to Maine overtime rules taking effect in 2026.
Presenter:
Ann Freeman, Partner, Bernstein Shur
(MTCMA Certification: 1 credit in Human Resources OR Leadership category)
2:15 - 2:30pm Break
2:30 – 3:30 pm Legislative Updates
Tanya Emery, MMA’s Advocacy Manager, will share the latest on legislation impacting municipalities.
Unsurprisingly, developments on housing initiatives are expected to take center stage.
Presenter:
Tanya Emery, Advocacy Manager, Maine Municipal Association
(MTCMA Certification: 1 credit in Leadership OR Legal category)
3:30 p.m. – End. Closing Remarks/Giveaway Drawings
Overnight Accommodations:
MTCMA is pleased to offer two options for your overnight accommodation needs:
Hollywood Hotel & Conference Center - 500 Main St., Bangor, ME 04401
Queen or King rate $129.99
Reservation can be made using this group code “MCTCMA26” www.hollywoodcasinobangor.com
If you experience any issues trying to make your reservation online, please contact the facility directly to make your reservation at 877-779-7771
If you are tax exempt, please make sure to provide that information to the facility upon making your reservation.
Roon Block is available until March 6, 2026.
Event Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be submitted using this Cancellation form to cancel your registration for an event.
• Cancellations received before 3/20/26 will be assessed a $15 administrative fee for processing.
• Cancellations received on/after 3/20/26 will be charged 50% of the course fee.
• Any registrant who does not attend and does not cancel their registration (i.e., no-show) and any cancellation received the day of the event will be charged the full registration fee.
If you have questions about your registration or MTCMA Membership, please contact the Member Services team at AGMemberServices@memun.org.
If you have questions about the Training content or the MTCMA Certification program please contact the Educational Services Office at (207) 623-8428 or training@memun.org.
Official confirmations are emailed to all registered attendees one week prior to the event date.