Spring is right around the corner, which at the Town brings with it budget season (late March to early June) and an anticipation for summer programs, seasonal hiring, and more. This spring is expected to be routine with standard municipal operations (unlike last year, when the revaluation was underway, FEMA flood maps changed, and storm recovery was still underway). We also continue to follow along the school building committee work and the near completion of some projects that help plan for the future (like the Open Space Plan). Read on to learn more, and find out about other program and event dates.

We're just a few days out from the start of daylight saving time beginning on Sunday, March 9. Clocks will go ahead one hour and give us later sunsets.

Municipal Budget Process Starts this Month

At the end of March each year, the Town Manager proposes the budget for the fiscal year ahead. The FY2026 budget will be presented to the Town Council on Wednesday, March 26. The focus of this year's budget is to maintain the level of quality services that our community expects, which in some cases means investing in replacement equipment, staff, or infrastructure updates. We'll share more reminders for the presentation as it nears, and will be doing highlights of what's included in the budget in the months ahead.

Tax Dollars at Work

Meet the Departments Behind Your Town Services

The budget aims to reflect the Town’s priorities, and in doing so ensures that each department has the resources needed to provide essential services to our community. Here's a look at the municipal departments who make this happen:

Administration

This department includes the Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Purchasing Specialist, and Marketing & Communications Manager. They provide general Town Council support and aim to keep the public informed so that public engagement is possible.

Assessing

Four employees assist in the annual valuation of all property in Town, maintain property information, and handle tax relief programs. Last year they approved 423 applications for Senior Property Tax Assistance, as well as the Homestead Exemption Program benefitting 5,446 taxpayers.

Community Services

Community Services consists of recreation, intergenerational programs, grounds and facilities maintenance, and beach management. Last year they offered 30+ youth programs, weekly Active Adult programs, and child care from Pre-K to Grade 8. Grounds staff installed a new ADA ramp at Hurd Park and bike amenities throughout Town.

Engineering & Technical Services

This department was formed in recent years in response to the demand for high-level technical support among departments as Scarborough grows. They handle sustainability, GIS mapping, Federal and State permitting compliance, construction oversight and more.

Finance

The mission of this department is to “provide accurate and timely financial information and services so the community, elected officials, and Town departments can make informed decisions.” Last year the Revenue office processed 52,781 receipts, which included property tax collections, vehicle and boat registrations, hunting and fishing licenses, and other revenues for the Town.

Fire & Rescue

The Fire department maintains a high level of service that our town has come to expect. Last year was one of the highest calls for service volumes in history and is continuing to trend upward. Four new full-time positions were added to meet this demand and maintain full staff for 24-hour coverage.

Human Resources

The HR department attracts and supports a qualified workforce to the Town of Scarborough. Last year the Town hired 169 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. They also negotiated 4 collective bargaining agreements for Police, Fire/EMS, Dispatch and Public Works Operations.

Information Technology

The IT team provides technology services to over 900 active employees (including the Schools) and 3,000 students across 19 physical locations. The team supports over 16,000 devices. They also manage a complex infrastructure of fiber and wireless networks, telecommunications, and cybersecurity.

Planning & Codes

The Planning department serves the Town in a wide range of ways, from long range planning for growth, development, transportation, and conservation, to development review, permitting, building and construction inspections and development oversight. 

Police

The Police department is made up of a dedicated and talented team of people who truly make a difference in our community each day. Last year, they responded to 2,600-4,100 calls for service each month, consistently exceeding those of the previous year. Citations issued saw a significant rise (from 433 in 2023 to 1,014 in 2024), reflecting an increase in enforcement activities on the roads. 

Public Works

The Public Works Department oversees development and maintenance of the Town's infrastructure, vehicular equipment, and specialized services which include waste/recycling, cemetery care, and tree care. Last year, the department responded to 2,398 requests for service from residents, Town departments, and other municipalities.

Town Clerk

Like the Revenue office, the Clerk's office is rooted in customer service. They conduct elections, collect records of marriages, births, and deaths, oversee State dog licenses, beach passes, and local permits and licenses. 

Town in Strongest Financial Position in Years

As the Town looks forward to the budget season, it finds itself in the strongest financial position in many years with a significant increase in available unassigned fund balance and an upgraded credit rating. This marked change in financial position did not happen overnight or by accident; prudent budgeting, active investing, and a renewed focus on fiscal policy all helped move the needle. 

Positive Budget Performance

For fiscal year 2024, revenues from vehicle registration, intergovernmental revenues and investment income exceeded the forecast by over $2 million. On the spending side, expenditures came in $4.5 million dollars lower than budgeted in the areas of education, capital improvements, and public works. 

Fiscal Policy Amendments

The Town Council also identified financial goals that included maintaining an optimal credit rating. In late 2024, the Town Council amended the Financial and Fiscal Policy to raise the minimum fund balance to 10% of the prior year’s budgeted operating expenses. Unassigned fund balance is the amount of the budget left unallocated toward specific expenditures in the year ahead. A January workshop with the Town’s municipal auditor informed that at the end of the last fiscal year, the Town’s unassigned fund balance increased to $15,902,211. This is up almost $5 million from 2022, and 14.46% of the prior year’s budgeted operating expenses. The Town has a goal to get this to exceed 16.67%.

This strong financial position that the Town has set itself up with is important for the community. It builds trust and confidence in our local government as we plan the budget each year and bring capital projects to referendum. Increasing our unassigned fund balance and lowering the amount of debt held is also crucial for bond ratings, leading to further cost savings on future investments.

Spring Fun with Community Services

Park Hop Egg Hunt Coming Soon!

March

The Easter Bunny visited Scarborough and dropped eggs all over town! Can you retrace the Bunny’s tracks and help find the eggs? Keep an eye on our website and Community Services Facebook page for a coloring page map to retrace the Bunny's tracks and help find the eggs. Once you've drawn the design seen on each egg, drop it off at the SCS Hub or email it to comserv@scarboroughmaine.org to be entered into an EGGCITING drawing for a basket full of goodies. Downloadable map coming soon!

Bunny Breakfast

Saturday, April 12

9:00-11:00am, Wentworth Cafeteria

Buy ticket; $10 per family

Join us for a yummy breakfast with our favorite special guest... The Easter Bunny! The menu includes pancakes, sausage, hash browns, and fruit, along with all of the fixings. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a photo op with the Bunny! Registration for this event is only $10 per family thanks to our sponsors Empeople Credit Union.

Child Care Registration Opens March 4

Pre-K Plover Program, Before & After Care Programs

Child care registration for the 2025-26 school year begins on March 4 at 8:00am.

The Plover Program is our pre-K classroom session offered at the Community Services Hub. Participants work towards the social, physical, and academic skills they will need for Kindergarten and beyond. Learn more.

Before & After Schools programs are times for children to learn and socialize in a safe space outside of school hours. This extended day gives parents more flexibility and an engaging setting for children. Learn more.

Last Chance: Take 20-Min School Survey by March 3rd

The School Building Advisory Committee (SBAC) is asking for your help in developing a school solution for Scarborough. The 20-minute survey on the 5 initial building options is live online until Monday, March 3. All Scarborough residents 18+ are invited to provide feedback on the initial five options. 

Survey results will help determine which options move forward in the process and which are eliminated. Community feedback will also inform the school priorities as the most promising concepts are further developed. 

The SBAC remains committed to a project budget of $70M - $130M, based on community input from the 2024 survey. The committee needs your input to choose the top options, determine priorities, and evaluate the trade-offs needed to bring the projects in line with the budget. 

Take the online survey by March 3rd. Learn more about the School Building Project.

March 5: Open Space Plan Workshop

The Town Council will hold a workshop to review the new Open Space Plan on Wednesday, March 5th at 5:30pm. Representatives from Viewshed (project consultant) as well as staff and members of the Ad Hoc Open Space Committee will attend to review the planning process, introduce the plan, and answer questions. 

What is the Open Space Plan?

The Open Space Plan provides the Town with a comprehensive set of strategies to ensure the Town’s approach to land conservation is done in a way that serves the whole community and protects important natural resources. The planning process started last spring with the assistance of Viewshed, a Maine-based landscape architecture, GIS, and planning firm. It was guided by the Ad Hoc Open Space Committee and is informed by local and State data, as well as public input from online surveys, a community workshop, and outreach at several community events. The public was asked to prioritize important resource categories, including clean water, wildlife habitat, agriculture and forestry, recreation, environmental hazards, and sea level rise.

Upcoming Deadline: Tax Relief Applications Due April 1

The Assessing Department oversees property tax relief programs and exemptions for eligible individuals and properties. Most programs are administered through the State, while others are applied at the local level. See all Programs on the Tax Relief page of our website. All applications must be filed on or before April 1st unless indicated otherwise. Please check the application for the appropriate deadline date. All applications are available online or in the Assessing office, located on the lower level of Town Hall (come through the back entrance of Town Hall). Please contact their office at (207) 730-4063 if you have any questions.

Household Hazardous Days Announced

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days for 2025 have been scheduled! Safely dispose of items such as paint, cleaners, insect sprays, fluorescent bulbs, and more. These collection days are available to the residents of Scarborough, Saco, Biddeford, and Old Orchard Beach at no cost. Proof of residency is required. 

• Scarborough: Saturday, May 24th from 8am-Noon
• Saco: Saturday, July 19th from 8am-Noon
• Biddeford: Saturday, September 13th from 8am-Noon

Please take a look at the flyer for more detailed information about what items are accepted for disposal. Questions? Contact us at pwinfo@scarboroughmaine.org or (207) 730-4400.

Vulnerability Assessment StoryMap Coming Soon

The interactive StoryMap that is being developed as part of the Town’s Vulnerability Assessment will be available later this month. The StoryMap will show Scarborough’s areas and infrastructure that currently experience coastal flooding and will likely experience flooding in the future due to sea level rise. As work on the Vulnerability Assessment continues, the map will be updated with adaptation strategies for vulnerable areas. The link to the map will be posted on the Vulnerability Assessment page of the Town’s website, in this newsletter, and on the Town’s social media pages.

New Building and Energy Code in Effect April 7

For those in building and construction, please be aware that the State of Maine has amended the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code adoption. Municipalities must enforce the newly adopted 2021 I-codes and corresponding standards as of April 7, 2025. More information will be available in the coming weeks. View the codes here. The amendments will be posted on the State Fire Marshal's Office, Building Codes division website when available. We will also post the notice on our website and hand out notices with building permits and applications. 

Fire Department Receives Ammonia Meter Donation from It'll Be Pizza

In September 2024, It'll Be Pizza, a food products supplier in Scarborough, experienced an unexpected release of ammonia. This release required a large response from Scarborough, Portland and South Portland Fire and Hazmat teams.

Fire Department staff had been collaborating with the leadership at It'll Be Pizza for a year prior to the incident to develop an Emergency Action Plan for their facility. An EAP is required in all facilities that are designated EHS (Environment, Health, Safety) by Maine Emergency Management, which is based on an amount of hazardous chemicals stored at a facility. In this case, ammonia is used for their refrigeration needs. 

The ammonia leak occurred just prior to completing the EAP project. While the incident was managed well and impact was minimal, there were some gaps in our response identified during the after action review. A few weeks ago, leadership from It'll Be Pizza (Nat Getchell, Jason Melanson, and Shawn Tremblay) recognized these gaps and made a donation of an ammonia gas meter and all the required calibration equipment to the Fire department, exceeding $5,000 in value. 

This donation will increase our capabilities when responding to any potential incidents at their facility as well as better ensure the safety of the community and first responders involved in these responses. We are so fortunate to have civic minded businesses like It'll Be Pizza that choose to partner with our public safety departments.  

Fire Chief Kindelan (right) accepts the ammonia meter donation from Nat Getchell of It'll Be Pizza

Get Involved: Board & Committee Vacancies

The Town of Scarborough has several active boards and committees making a difference in our community. They rely on citizen volunteers with time, expertise, and interest. We are currently seeking applicants to be on our Parks and Conservation Land Board and the Coastal Waters Committee. Applications are accepted through an online form on our website and reviewed by the Appointments and Negotiations committee on an ongoing basis.

Board of Education Nomination Papers Available March 5

A local election on Tuesday, June 10 will include the election for three Board of Education candidates (3-year terms). Nomination papers for the Board of Education are available to pick up in the Town Clerk's office on March 5th. They must be returned by close of business on April 5th.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please refer to the School website prior to meetings.

Take the EV Charging Station Survey

The Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) is identifying possible locations for new electric vehicle charging stations in our region. The regional planning agency uses transportation data and public input and wants to hear from you— Use this survey to tell them your priorities and concerns about EV adoption and where charging locations would be most helpful. Your feedback will help local decision-makers understand community priorities and foster collaboration to improve EV charging infrastructure.

Enter the "Marsh Madness" Photo Contest!

Scarborough Land Trust is celebrating the month of March with a contest of its own: Marsh Madness! The photo contest is designed to showcase the natural beauty and personal connections people have with the Scarborough Marsh and SLT’s nine preserves here in Scarborough. Submit your favorite and most impactful photographs along with descriptions highlighting what makes those images meaningful.

Don't delay! You have until March 16th to submit your photos on the Marsh Madness page of SLT’s website. See more information and the submission form on the contest page on SLT’s website.

Council Adopts 2025 Goals

The Town Council adopted their 2025 goals in the February 19 Council meeting. They cover the following areas:

• Long Range Facilities Planning
• Conservation, Sustainability & Resiliency
• Traffic & Transportation
• Growth, Housing & Land Use
• Communication & Community Engagement

Their main goals are:

• Address school enrollment and facility needs for K-8 students in partnership with the School
• Develop and implement environmental protection and climate change initiatives that protect our environment and enhance our resiliency. 
• Advance the Town-wide Transportation Study and engage with regional partners to prioritize and advance transportation initiatives in Scarborough
• Develop a basis for defining an affordable and workforce housing policy
• Increase communications with residents to advance Council Goals with the public

Town Council Corner: A Housing To-Do List

By Cory Fellows, Town Council

One of the goals established by the Town Council in February is to “develop a basis for defining an affordable and workforce housing policy.” Regardless of the extent to which individual members support additional housing development in Scarborough, there was unanimous agreement that we should make sure we are fully informed about the market and are intentional about local policies that impact housing availability and costs. Housing is a key piece of the puzzle when we think about how to manage growth and promote economic opportunity in our town.

Action items under the housing goal are:

• Host a workshop to discuss Council thoughts on affordable and workforce housing

• Determine data points and needs, possibly with the help of a housing needs assessment

• Engage the public in a discussion on affordable and workforce housing

• Define clear housing policy objectives for the next 10 years, including goals for the number and types of units

• Refine Scarborough’s Credit Enhancement Agreement (CEA) property tax relief provisions around eligibility and process for affordable housing projects (revisions were approved during the February 19, 2025 Council meeting, and could be modified further as the housing goals are fleshed out)

• Create a short-term rental ordinance to align with the Town’s objectives on housing, and to ensure responsible growth

When any group of people with varying perspectives sets out to formulate a strategy around a contentious issue, a critical first step is to ensure that everyone is operating from a common set of facts. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that a lack of housing options is creating hardships for individuals and employers alike. The dearth of attainable housing is routinely cited by employers – including our police and fire departments – as an impediment to the hiring and retention of qualified staff. We as a Council need to supplement those accounts with hard data so we can consider policy options and make informed decisions. That data should include both housing-specific metrics and growth-oriented variables such as school enrollment trends and property tax revenue.

It’s also important to make sure we’re speaking the same language when we talk about housing affordability. What do we mean by “affordable” or “workforce” housing anyway? The widely accepted rule of thumb is that no household should spend more than 30% of its gross income on their mortgage or rent payments. Rental affordability programs like the Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit consider a rent affordable if it is at or below 60% of an area’s median annual income, while “workforce” generally refers to housing that’s affordable to people in the 80%-120% range – sometimes called the “missing middle” since that type of housing is increasingly hard to find in the market and there are no federal or state programs subsidizing it. 

Once we have the lay of the land and have agreed on definitions, the focus will turn to objectives. How much more housing do we need? How much of it should be rental versus homeownership? What’s the right balance of family and senior housing? Should we further incentivize multifamily housing, accessory dwelling units, or even so-called tiny homes in the interest of promoting a wider range of options? How do we balance housing development with our commitment to protect our natural environment? I’m framing these as questions and not policy declarations since we are just starting this process; while I have my own thoughts on priorities and strategies, I don’t pretend to have all of the answers and am going into this exercise with an open mind. 

Local government has only so much direct influence on housing. Variables like broad demographic trends, interest rates and the cost of building materials are obviously beyond our control. But we do have levers we can pull, such as our zoning and building codes, rate of growth ordinance, and financial tools such as CEAs and direct support from the Scarborough Housing Alliance. Before we reach into that toolbox, we will need to make sure we understand the scope of the project in front of us and think carefully about how to approach it. I look forward to tackling that job with my fellow Councilors.

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.

Scarborough Town Council

April Sither (Chair) • Jonathan Anderson (Vice Chair) • Don Cushing • Scott Doherty • Bill Donovan • Cory Fellows • Karin Shupe

Town Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month. Visit our Town Calendar for links to attend and view agendas.

Programs at Scarborough Public Library

Healing Begins with Truth: Understanding Colonization

With Wabanaki REACH

Wednesday, March 19, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Register; This is an online-only event

Explore the differences between the worldview and culture of Indigenous peoples and settlers (and their descendants). Using historical and present-day examples, participants will examine the deliberate strategies of colonization and resulting impacts on Indigenous people, land, and culture, including the domination culture that maintains systemic racism and oppression. This program is intended to serve as a safe space for participants to join with peers and identify strategies to support healing in relation to each other and to the land.

Maine Courses: Statewide Series on the Topic "Changing Maine"

Throughout the month of March, Scarborough Public Library is participating in a series called Maine Courses: A Changing Maine. This online series, sponsored by libraries across the state and MECollab, will highlight a variety of Maine related topics through shared library programming. The Wabanaki REACH program on March 19th is Scarborough's contribution to the program. All Maine Courses offerings:

From Hazard to Harvest: How Aerial Robotics Might Be Used to Upcycle Invasive Forest Pathogens To Biochar

March 3, 6:00pm, Register

Satellite Oceanography: Unlocking Insights by Analyzing the Big Picture

March 13, 5:30pm, Register

Healing Begins with Truth: Understanding Colonization, with Wabanaki REACH

March 19, 6:00pm, Register

Lyme Disease in Maine

March 25, 6:30pm, Register

Writing Maine: How authors blend fact and fiction to create a familiar, imaginary world

March 27, 6pm, Register

Die Well Death Education Series

In Partnership with Piper Shores

Tuesday, March 11, 6:30-8:00pm

New Location: Piper Shores (see details below)

No registration required

Why Talk About Death? You’re going to die. Why not die well? Preparation is key. In this session we will discuss why talking about death is important, and the benefits it can and does provide. We will review creating an End-of-Life Plan, the importance of legacy work, hospice & palliative care, as well as funeral and body disposition options (there are more than you think!).

About Die Well Death Education

Leona Oceania has always been passionate and curious about end-of-life issues. Motivated by this, she trained to become a Home Funeral Guide, End of Life Doula, and Life Legacy Facilitator. She is also a Hospice volunteer, Funeral Consumer Advocate, Death Cafe Facilitator, and Death Educator. Leona's primary focus is to educate and motivate people to simply start the conversation. Once we can talk more openly about death and normalize the conversation, the better we will be able to connect with our own mortality and be proactive about creating a "good death" for ourselves and others. 

*New Location: No Registration Required*

This program is held at Piper Shores in partnership with Scarborough Public Library and is open to all. Piper Shores “Founders Room” at the Oceanside campus, just inside the Main Entrance. Staff will be there to steer attendees in the right direction. Park anywhere labeled “Employee” or “Visitor". Piper Shores is located at 15 Piper Rd in Scarborough.

Beware the Ides of March! Shakespeare Table Read of Julius Caesar

Friday, March 14, 12:00pm-2:00pm

Register

Julius Caesar is a compelling story of betrayed friends and bids for political power, of leaders and insurrections, ambition and honor, history and legacy. Sign up to be one of the actors or show up to listen! Scripts will be provided, and we will be acting only with our voices. Acting ability or experience is not required, we’re here for a good time.

This year marks a major milestone for Scarborough Public Library as it celebrates its 125th anniversary!