There are some signs of spring around town🌼 Public Works is sweeping streets and sidewalks, beach season starts in May, budget reviews are underway, and more. With Earth Day coming up, there are also upcoming opportunities for you to get involved in some outdoor cleanup and spend time outside. Read on below for additional important announcements and updates.

Beach Reminders: Restricted areas on town beaches are in effect, which means there are sections of the beach where dogs aren't allowed or need to be leashed (read the signs). Also, beach passes will be available for purchase for seasonal parking beginning on April 30 at Town Hall. Learn more

Closed Monday for Patriot's Day

Scarborough Town Hall will be closed Monday, April 20 in observance of Patriots Day. Trash pickup will remain on schedule.

Welcome Deanne Vail, New Town Assessor!

Deanne Vail joined the Town of Scarborough as the new Town Assessor on March 9, 2026. She brings over 10 years of municipal assessing experience after working for the Town of Bar Harbor, Maine Revenue Services in the Property Tax Division, and most recently as the assessor for the City of Biddeford. She also has a background in real estate and 10 years in the banking industry. “Altogether, these roles provided me with a strong foundation in valuation, taxation, and the practical realities of maintaining accurate and equitable municipal systems.”

Vail values the opportunity to help residents understand what can sometimes be a complex process while contributing to the broader framework of municipal government—a large reason why she got into the field of assessing. Public service has always been important to her. “My father served in the legislature for many years and also held roles as a County Commissioner and Selectperson, all of which gave me an early appreciation for how local government shapes communities.”

The Town Assessor is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all real and personal property to ensure an equitable distribution of the tax burden. The role also includes maintaining accurate ownership records and property boundaries, as well as administering exemptions and current use programs. It is a combination of analysis, fieldwork, and public interaction, with a steady emphasis on accuracy and consistency. Most importantly, it involves supporting the taxpayers and community members that the work ultimately serves.

Scarborough’s combination of coastal properties, growing commercial areas, and preserved natural spaces make for a uniquely dynamic assessing environment. Vail leads a department of three others who also support the Town’s assessing needs. “Between ongoing development and the appeal of Maine’s coastline, I expect there will be plenty to keep our work engaging,” says Vail. “It is also clear that Scarborough is a well-run community, and I look forward to contributing while learning the nuances that come with a town that is both growing and thoughtfully managed.”

Vail and her husband have six children, so most of her time outside of work is spent at sporting events and school activities ranging from track and football to high school theater. “We also report to three dogs and two naughty cats”. She is actively involved in her church, participating in mission trips and serving in the disability ministry. Having grown up in Palmyra on an agricultural farm, time spent outdoors hunting, fishing, and riding snowmobiles and four-wheelers has instilled in her a lasting appreciation for the state of Maine.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

Thank you to our 911 Dispatchers!

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed annually in the second week of April, is a dedicated time to honor and express our sincere gratitude to the individuals who serve as the first point of contact in emergency situations. These professionals, who answer 911 calls, dispatch emergency services, and provide critical assistance, play an indispensable role in ensuring public safety within our community.

Thank you to the dedicated and committed dispatchers of the Scarborough Emergency Communications Center, who provide 9-1-1 answering for Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach, and Buxton. They also provide full dispatching services for Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach Police, Fire, and EMS.

Read a Day in the Life about Dispatcher Tom Selby for a glimpse into their role.

Budget Starting Point: 5.97% Tax Rate Increase

The budget was formally presented by the Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools to the Town Council on April 1 (watch).

Key Budget Takeaways

The Town of Scarborough has a net budget of $97,367,436.

The proposed budget is 7.83% higher than last year, which would equate to approximately a 5.97% property tax rate increase.

The Town and School are seeking to largely fund existing services and programs with minimal new investments and positions.

The Town's budget is funded by a combination of sources including property tax revenue (57%), Excise and Municipal revenues (31%), State-provided funds (8%), and Education revenues (4%). See pie chart

The Town's proposed net budget goes to fund Education (67%), Municipal (26%), County Tax (3%), TIFs and other (3%).

How the budget is funded

Capital Budget Breakdown

Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) are investments in areas like maintenance, equipment, and infrastructure. They are necessary in order to maintain level services, as well as offer service improvements. The CIP budget mirrors the overall FY27 budget's focus on prioritizing the delivery of quality essential services.

Significant Investments

• East Grand Avenue Complete Streets Project ($4.1M) Learn more

• Scottow Hill Road Culvert Replacement ($3.7M) Learn more

• Town-wide Radio Infrastructure Upgrade ($9.4M) Learn more

Full CIP Budget Total: $26.2 million

Talk Budget at "Conversations with Councilors"

Various dates/times in May

View all dates

The Scarborough Town Council wants to hear your thoughts on the proposed budget, and other issues in town. And they'll come to you! Join them for Conversations with Councilors listening sessions hosted in various neighborhoods throughout the month of May ahead of the final budget vote on May 20th.

We have a lot of detailed budget information on our website. View the full budget book, budget season highlights, or the Budget in Brief (print copies available in the Town Hall lobby).

Upcoming Workshops

Wednesday, April 15 (Tonight) at 5:30pm: Animal Control Ordinance Change

The Town of Scarborough received a letter from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW) with recommended changes to the Animal Control Ordinance to improve compliance with state and federal endangered species laws. It recommends restricting dogs on the beach to from 9:00am-5:00pm beginning April 1 (currently May 14) to provide additional protection for nesting birds. The Town Council will review and discuss the letter and next steps. View the agenda.

Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00pm: MaineDOT Route 1 Project/Pilot Study

The Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) will present its plans to merge two-lane traffic to a single lane for the northbound segment of Route 1 through the marsh in a pilot this summer. This comes at the request of the Town as we study an opportunity to add bike and pedestrian facilities to a potential Route 1 climate resiliency project. See more below and on our website.

Beach Parking Passes Available April 30

Beach parking passes are available for purchase starting April 30th at Town Hall. They allow for parking at Town-maintained beach lots: Higgins, Pine Point (at Hurd Park), and Ferry during the season, Friday before Memorial Day (May) through Labor Day (September). Learn More.

NEW: Purchase Passes on Fridays

Can't make it to Town Hall during business hours? (Monday-Thursday, 7:00am-5:00pm). Secure your season pass at the Scarborough Community Services Hub (418 Payne Road) on Fridays beginning May 1 (8:00am-4:00pm).

Extended Hours Held May 2nd

Community Services will also be holding a special beach season pass day on Saturday, May 2, from 8:00am to 2:00pm at the Hub, 418 Payne Road.

Short Term Rentals: Public Hearing on May 6

The Town Council is one step closer to implementing a short term rental ordinance. They heard a presentation of the proposal on March 18th and will have a public hearing in their May 6th meeting. There will then be a second reading and vote on May 20th.

Scarborough is an outlier among neighboring communities in that it does not already have an ordinance in place. The new ordinance would require an annual registration process for the use of a legally existing dwelling unit for short-term guests of less than 28 consecutive days.

Road Work Resumes at Mussey/Payne/Gorham Rd Area

This May and June, road work will resume at two adjacent intersections: Mussey Road at Payne Road, and Gorham Road at Payne Road (by Hannaford and Cumberland Farms). Both are improvement projects to address safety and traffic flow.

Payne and Mussey Road: Signal installation and intersection road work

Payne and Gorham Road: Median installation, intersection improvements in area of Hannaford at Gorham Road

We will share a more specific schedule as the date nears, but expect delays, traffic control, and some single-lane only traffic at times. There will also be some night work in an effort to limit daytime commuter impact.

We share all scheduled traffic improvement projects on a map on our website along with an indication of who is conducting the work (the Town, private developers, or Department of Transportation).

Spurwink Road Phase 2 Improvements In Progress

Road work is ongoing at Spurwink Road for Phase 2 of an improvement project from Pleasant Hill Road to the Cape Elizabeth town line. It will widen bike lanes on both sides of the road, replace old drainage infrastructure, and improve visibility at the Sawyer Street intersection.

The project is anticipated to be complete by the end of June. Expect delays when traveling through the area.

May 6: Proposed Route 1 Traffic Pilot Workshop

Town Council Workshop: Route 1 Traffic Pattern Pilot with MDOT

Wednesday, May 6, 5:30-7:00pm

Town Hall / Zoom (link TBD on Town Calendar)

Since 2023, the Town of Scarborough and Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) have been developing a resiliency project with a general concept of raising the road four feet above the highest astronomical tide and replacing existing culverts with a 75-foot bridge across the Dunstan River. Ahead of this, the Town is seeking to learn the feasibility of accommodating a future bike and pedestrian facility on that 1.2-mile section of Route 1 by removing one northbound lane from vehicle traffic. The Town has requested that MaineDOT test the impacts of the new configuration to determine if it should be incorporated it into the Route 1 Resiliency Project plans. 

Proposed Plan: Closure of one northbound lane on section of Route 1 from June 15-August 10 (intentionally during the highest volume time to test under extreme conditions). Before and during the closure, MaineDOT will monitor the flow of traffic, by collecting real-time data, which will include: speeds, volumes, delays, and diversion traffic counts to Payne Road or the Maine Turnpike. They will analyze the data and provide recommendations for the Town Council and the public to consider as part of the next steps in the Resiliency Project. The road will return to four lanes at the end of the pilot study.

What's Next: Ultimately, the decision to move this pilot project/data collection forward is that of the Town Council. Their workshop is scheduled for May 6th prior to the regular council meeting.

Summer Program Brochure Out Now!

Our Summer 2026 brochure is officially here🌞 It’s packed with fresh experiences, can’t miss favorites, and something for every age to enjoy!

May 2: Annual Family Formal Dance

Saturday, May 2, 6:00-8:00pm

Wentworth School

$8 per person; Buy tickets

Join us for our 5th Annual Family Formal for a fun-filled evening celebrating family in all its forms. Break out your best disco look and get ready to boogie the night away! Hit the dance floor with music from local radio DJs Joe Lerman and Rob Steele, strike a pose at the selfie station, and enjoy light refreshments and snacks throughout the evening.

April 25: Drug Take Back Day with Scarborough Police

The Scarborough Police Department is hosting the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25th from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Public Safety Building, 275 US Route One. They will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. 

For 16 years, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans safely dispose of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—to prevent drug misuse and abuse. Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,200 drop-off locations nationwide.

If you cannot make this date, the Scarborough Police Department has a 24-hour drop-off box in the lobby of our station.

Reminder: Stay Vigilant Against Scams

Please be aware that there is an email scam posing as Scarborough Planning & Code Enforcement. The email presents as an invoice to be paid via wire transfer. This is a scam—we do not email invoices or conduct wire transfers. If you have any concerns on the validity of an email from any Town department, or receive an email from the Town requesting payment, please call us directly through the phone numbers and email addresses listed on our website to let us know.

The Planning department is logo being falsely used to target residents in an email scam.

May 9: Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day

Scarborough Public Works offers collaborative, multi-town opportunities to safely dispose of your household hazardous waste materials. This is a free service to residents of Scarborough, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, and Biddeford for all three events (proof of residency is required).

The dates for the 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days are:

• Saturday, May 9 (8am-Noon), Scarborough (20 Washington Ave)

• Saturday, July 11 (8am-Noon), Saco (15 Philips Spring Road)

• Saturday, September 12 (8am-Noon), Biddeford (371 Hill Street)

These are a collaborative cross-town events: Disposal is free for residents of Scarborough, Saco, and Biddeford at all three events. Please reference this flyer for a list of accepted materials and paints.

Next Quick Poll: Electric Vehicles

We have a new Quick Poll topic—share your thoughts on electric vehicles to help shape our Climate Action Plan. Make your voice heard and help us to develop a Climate Action Plan that is reflective of our community. This poll should take less than 10 minutes and you'll be entered to win a $50 Hannaford gift card.

The Climate Action Plan is part of a "Sustaining Scarborough" initiative to be a practical roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. The plan is centered around 5 focus areas: Clean Energy & Efficient Buildings, Thriving Natural & Coastal Resources, Sustainable Operations & Waste Management, Smart Land Use & Transportation, and Resilient & Healthy Community. The Plan is scheduled to be completed by September.

Preparing for the June 9, 2026 Election:

Meet Election Worker Charlene Gillchrest

Charlene is a 30+ year Scarborough resident and has been active in Town services for many years. She was on Volunteer Rescue with the Fire Department for nearly seven years and has worked elections for the past eight years. She enjoys the social aspect and company of the other workers—many who have become friends—and uses it as a way to stay active in retirement. Charlene worked in administration for 45 years at Maine Medical Center. She is naturally Type A in all areas of her life and her

close attention to detail has been an essential skill in her election work!

Thanks to all who completed an application to be an election worker! We have good coverage for the June election and will put out another request in late summer as we prepare for the November election.

Questions? Contact the Town Clerk's office at (207) 730-4020.

Council Corner: FY27 Budget Balancing Act

By Jon Anderson, Town Council

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Scarborough Town Council.

On April 1, the Town Manager and School Superintendent submitted their FY2027 budget request to the Town Council. Earlier this year, the Council set a goal of working toward a 0% mil rate increase to show restraint ahead of the upcoming school bond in FY2028. The initial request proposes a 5.97% mil rate increase, which would raise the rate from $11.33 to $12.01 per $1,000 of assessed home value.

Overall, both the Town and School budgets include relatively modest new investments. Because they are service‑based organizations, most costs are tied to people—about 81% of the school budget and 65% of the Town budget are personnel‑related. The primary drivers of the increase are contractual salary adjustments with union-based employees, rising healthcare costs, and last year’s public safety staffing investments to keep you safer.

We’re also facing lower‑than‑expected state school funding, slower growth in new tax revenue, and higher county taxes. Together, these pressures result in a budget request provided that largely maintains current service levels.

Considering these realities, I believe it’s realistic to move closer to a 2% mil rate increase by the end of the process. The Finance Committee has set this as a new target, which would require about $3.65 million in adjustments, while still investing heavily in Town and School services. This may mean small reductions in services or deferrals in investments, but the goal is to keep Scarborough affordable and prepare for the larger tax impact expected when the school construction project goes to bond and we lose State aid due to changes in the school funding formula in the coming years. Much like planning ahead for a major expense at home, this is about being thoughtful now to reduce future strain.

I’m optimistic that we can reach this target without major service reductions, though some careful choices may be necessary. Our town‑wide survey shows that Scarborough delivers an exceptional level of service compared to peer communities across New England. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of and a big reason I love living here. At the same time, that strength gives us some flexibility—there may be opportunities to do a bit less in certain areas while still providing a high‑quality experience for our residents.

As the Finance Committee digs in, here are some strategies I’d like us to explore that can keep service quality high, while also keeping affordability top of mind:

• Holding budgets flat for areas that are coming in under forecast this year
• Filling new positions within existing headcount by delaying or prioritizing hires
• Optimizing TIF revenues where eligible in the operating budget
• Deferring equipment replacement or maintenance where feasible to reduce debt service costs
• Using a greater portion of the School’s fund balance (while protecting our credit strength)
• Reviewing class sizes and staffing through normal attrition where enrollment is flat or declining
• Taking a closer look at estimates—both expenses and revenues—to improve accuracy
• Encouraging new, creative ways to deliver the same outcomes at lower cost

This budget reflects our community’s values, and it also requires us to plan ahead. I’m grateful for the community’s support of the school referendum, and honoring that support means making fiscally responsible choices today to prepare for the known impacts ahead.

This won’t be easy—and we need your input. Please join us at the Public Hearing on April 15, attend Conversations with Councilors in May, or share your thoughts by email at towncouncil@scarboroughmaine.org or boe@scarboroughschools.org. This is your budget, and your voice matters as we work to keep Scarborough strong and affordable.

Scarborough Town Council

Cory Fellows (Chair) • Larry Cain (Vice Chair) • Jonathan Anderson • Scott Doherty • Bill Donovan • Michelle Hayes • Karin Shupe

Town Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month (third Wednesday only in July and August). Visit our Town Calendar for links to attend and view agendas.

April 25: Annual Scarborough Marsh Clean-Up Event

Spring Cleanup at Scarborough Marsh

Saturday, April 25, 9:00am-12:00pm

Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, 92 Pine Point Road

Register (Helpful, but not required)

Celebrate Earth Day by joining Maine Audubon, Scarborough Land Trust, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, and the Scarborough community for a work day to help make our corner of the earth a better place. There will be treats and refreshments provided for the volunteers. We will also be collecting food for Project GRACE. If you would like to contribute, please bring nonperishable food or a gift card.

Seeing trash in your own neighborhood/area of town? We encourage you to coordinate your own neighborhood clean-ups. Stay tuned in the next newsletter for more information about picking up trash bags and safety vests from Public Works, and getting the bags picked up afterwards. More information to come.

May 6: Community Conversation on Technology

Navigating Technology at Home 

Wednesday, May 6, 6:00-8:00pm

Wentworth Cafeteria / Zoom 

Join us for a Community Conversation About Technology at Home, a relaxed, informative gathering where families, educators and neighbors can talk openly about raising kids in a digital world. The evening will feature a panel of experts who will share insights on screen time, online safety and building healthy tech habits at home. We’ll explore real‑life challenges, offer practical tips and learn together as a community. Everyone is welcome!

Upcoming Programs at Scarborough Public Library

National Library Week is next week, April 19-25! The theme "Find Your Joy" is an invitation for people of all backgrounds to explore and discover what sparks joy in them at the library. Pick up a Library Passport, visit neighboring libraries in Saco, Biddeford, and Old Orchard Beach, and discover your library joy! Check out Scarborough's National Library Week special programs (a few highlighted below).

Chewonki Tide Pools

Tuesday, April 21, 1:00-2:00pm

Register (Kids/Families Program)

The tide pool is home to a variety of species whose unique adaptations allow them to maintain stability in a world that is in a constant state of change. Which species can endure the waves, tides and temperature changes of the rocky coast? Using this interactive traveling display, participants will dip their hands into the three zones of Maine’s rocky intertidal ecosystem and touch some of the ocean’s most magnificent species.

Earth Month Book Swap

Wednesday, April 22, 1:00-6:00pm

Register (Kids/Families Program)

Old Stories, New Readers! Celebrate Earth Month by giving books a second life and finding your next great read. Bring up to 5 gently read books and swap them for up to 5 new-to-you titles. Books will be thoughtfully arranged on tables by age range.  In the spirit of Earth Month, this event is all about reading thoughtfully, reusing what we love, and repeating the joy of sharing stories- read, reread, repeat. 

Reading Rainbow Documentary

Tuesday, April 21, 6:30-8:00pm

Register

Inspiring and nostalgic, "Butterfly in the Sky" tells the tale of a revolutionary reading movement. For 26 seasons, PBS’s Reading Rainbow met young viewers in their living rooms, whisking them away on far-off adventures into the boundless world of books. With the help of celebrity narrators and 9-year-old book reviewers, the show’s iconic host, LeVar Burton, brought real-life lessons and honest conversations to life in a way we had never before seen on screen. Despite ongoing funding hurdles and new public school testing standards, Burton and the show’s creators held tight to their authentic, down-to-earth approach to fuel kids’ lifelong love of reading.

What To Do After Writing a Book

Thursday, April 23, 6:30-8:00pm

Register

Join novelist and publisher Agnes Bushell for a lively discussion about what to do when you finish writing a book. With fifty years of experience in writing and publishing, Agnes has ideas to share about the often opaque process of publishing a book. Agnes Bushell’s first novel, Shadowdance, was published in 1989. She has been writing fiction ever since. She is Professor Emerita in Liberal Arts at Maine College of Art and Design and the editorial director of Littoral Books, a small press based in Portland, which focuses on publishing the work of Maine writers and artists.