The start of a new school year has arrived and Fall is approaching! Town operations, council decision-making, and community events all continue into the coming season. Read on for more insight on these topics, as well as for information on our new tax rate and getting signed up for some fun fall programs! We hope you find our newsletters to be a helpful source of Town news, and a launching point to our website to dive deeper into your areas of interest, meeting minutes, and more.

Town Offices are closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Trash pickup remains on schedule.

Labor Day Week Trash Collection (No Changes)

Trash collection will remain on schedule for Labor Day week, September 7-11, 2026. Questions? Contact our Public Works department at pwinfo@scarboroughmaine.org or 207.730.4400.

Fiscal Year 2027 Tax Rate Set

Tax bills mailed this week

FY 2026-2027 assessments were committed on August 19, 2026. The mill rate is $11.68 per $1,000 valuation for the 2027 fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The new rate applies to the taxes due on October 15, 2026 and March 15, 2027. Fall tax bills will be sent out this week.

Pay your property taxes online, by mail, or by coming into our Revenue Office (main floor to the right of the entrance) during business hours.

How Do We Calculate the Tax Rate?

The tax rate is determined by taking the total Tax Levy (combined municipal, school, and county budgets minus all revenues) and dividing it by the total Taxable Valuation. In short, Tax Levy/Taxable Valuation = Tax Rate.

Part of finalizing the total taxable valuation entails the Assessing department reviewing properties each year as of April 1st, the state-mandated assessment date, for any changes prior to finalizing assessments. 2026 assessments and property details will be available on our online database in the next couple of weeks.

What is My Annual Tax Bill?

The annual tax bill for each property is calculated by multiplying the taxable value (assessed value, less exemptions) by the tax rate. For example, a home assessed at $600,000, with a $25,000 homestead exemption, would owe $6,716 in property taxes for fiscal year 2026-2027 (575,000 x 0.01168 = $6,716), a $201 increase from last year. 

Property owners are always welcome to review their property information and reach out to our Assessing department with any questions. Contact us at (207) 730-4060, email dvail@scarboroughmaine.org, or visit our office on the lower level of Town Hall.

Vote for the Winners: Summer Photo Contest

'Like' your top picks on Facebook!

This was a very well documented summer for Scarborough! We received over 100 submissions to our "Summer Outdoors" photo contest in categories ranging from beaches to wildlife. As the season comes to a close, let's take a look back at some of the highlights captured by our community.

Now it's time to VOTE! 'Like' your favorites in the Facebook photo album from now through September 14. No limit to how many likes you give out—spread the compliments! The photo with the most Likes in each category will be announced in our September 15th newsletter and win a local prize. Thanks to Cafe Luna, The Dairy Corner, El Rayo, and Nonesuch River Brewing for the prizes!

Check out some of these eye-catching entries...

"Wildflowers" by Karie Kennedy

"Evening Glow" by Lori Baxter

"Tiny Dancer" by Michelle Blake

Welcome New Employees!

Gretchen Anderson, Stormwater Program Coordinator

Gretchen joins our Engineering and Technical Services Department after nearly a decade working in stormwater and environmental program management, both for municipalities and regional planning organizations. In her role, she is responsible for the administrative, field, and technical side of Scarborough's stormwater system, officially known as the MS4 program. A big part of it is being out in the field doing erosion and sediment control inspections, keeping an eye on construction sites, checking outfalls, and sampling water quality. She's also tracking down any potential illicit discharges. On the technical side, she'll review infrastructure specifications, collect data, and help keep our GIS system and inspection records current so we stay in compliance with our permit.

Gretchen has a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Southern Maine and pursued municipal work because, as she says, "helping a town manage its stormwater system means directly protecting local water quality and the everyday life of the community. I love that the work is technical, but also deeply local and personal."

Gretchen grew up in Kittery Point and now lives in Buxton with her husband and their rescue dog, Maisy. When not working, you'll find her hiking, running, or in the garden, and checking out new local restaurants and breweries.

Andrew Saksa, Deputy Public Works Director

Andrew joined Public Works as our new Deputy Director, returning to the department where he previously worked for over a decade. From 2012 through 2023, he worked for Scarborough Public Works first as a Fleet Maintenance Technician and then for several years as the Vehicle Maintenance Parts and Building Maintenance Manager. He spent 3.5 years with the City of Saco before returning to Scarborough for this role.

Andrew is a graduate of Scarborough High School and has pursued his career with the Town of Scarborough to "contribute to the community and for the workplace culture." He's been married for 6 years and has a dog and a cat. Outside of work he enjoys fishing, being outside, woodworking, and of course, being the family mechanic.

Finance Department Earns Award for 21st Year

From left to right: Diana Cronin, Lisa Saulle, Donna Rosacha, Kim Elliot, Liz Hernandez, Norman Kildow (Finance Director), Rose Wills, and Emma Clark

Our Finance department was awarded for its excellence in financial reporting! Here they are proudly displaying their Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Town of Scarborough was awarded this for the annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2025. This is Scarborough's 21st consecutive year of receiving the prestigious award.

The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Town Council Workshop & Meeting This Wednesday

The Town Council has a regular meeting this Wednesday, September 2 at 7:00pm. They will also have a workshop at 6:00pm.

Workshop (6:00pm): County-Wide Option Sales Tax

Discussion on a regional revenue-sharing strategy aimed at reducing reliance on property taxes for municipal and school funding. A presentation will be led by Jamie Garvin, GPCOG Director of Community Affairs, about this new approach to property tax stabilization consisting of a countywide 1% optional sales tax. This was first proposed out of a regional effort; GPCOG convened a Regional Property Tax Policy Committee in Summer 2025 to review options to mitigate the property tax burden and broaden local fiscal tools. Agenda

Regular Meeting (7:00pm)

Second Reading on Radio Project Ballot Question: The Town Council will vote on whether to include a question on the November 3rd municipal ballot authorizing up to $6 million in bonds to upgrade the municipal two-way radio communications systems for Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Community Services, and the School Department. Learn More

First Reading on Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments Regarding Timber Harvesting: The Town Council will discuss the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Section VI, to add and amend definitions pertaining to timber harvesting and to increase streetscape buffer minimum requirements in Commercial Zoning Districts. The aim is to address tree clearing and site disturbance concerns. Staff has provided updated definitions for the ordinance, and it has also been discussed/reviewed by the Conservation Commission and Ordinance Committee. If the first reading is approved, it would be referred to the Planning Board for review before returning to the Council for a public hearing.

View full agenda and supplemental materials

Upcoming Meeting Schedule Change

Due to attendance conflicts, the Council will not meet on October 7th as regularly scheduled. The meeting is rescheduled to September 30th. (Schedule: Sept 2, Sept 16, and Sept 30, Oct 21)

Programs Filling Up! See Our Fall Brochure

School is back in session and fall is right around the corner! Check out our Fall 2026 Brochure for upcoming Active Adult, Teen, and Youth programs. Here are some highlights:

Active Adult Programs

Beginner Pickleball: Build your pickleball skills and confidence in this multi-week instructional program (18+, 2 sessions, Sunday evenings in Sept or Oct, $90)

Happiness Habits: Discover simple habits that can make a meaningful difference in your everyday life in this 6-week program (55+, Monday mornings Oct-Nov, Free)

Plus several trips & travel opportunities!

Teen Programs

Corn Maze: Spend the afternoon with friends at Pineland Farms for this autumnal activity and test your skills! (Grades 6-8, Oct 14, $30)

Retro Game Nights: We’ll be setting up a variety of classic game consoles to play and compete on. Pizza and refreshments provided (Ages 13-17, Fridays in Nov, $40)

Youth Programs

Explore Archery: This beginner-friendly program is designed to learn archery in a fun and supportive environment (Ages 10-17, 3 sessions, Thursdays in Sept, Oct, or Nov, $135)

DISCover Ultimate Day: A nationwide series of free clinics designed to introduce middle-schoolers to the sport of ultimate. Each participant will receive a disc to use during the clinic and take home

(Ages 10-14, Sept 19, Free)

Special Events

Pokemon Painting: Choose a Pokémon to paint! We supply all the supplies, a canvas with your favorite Pokémon already outlined, and a picture to work from (All ages, Sept 23, $20)

Pumpkin Carving Night: Show off your pumpkin carving skills and leave the clean up to us! (All ages, Oct 23, $8 per pumpkin)

See all programs and instructions to register

Community Services: Summer in Photos

Summerfest was held on August 21st and was a huge success! Families and friends filled the High School Sports Complex for games, activities and vendors, good food, performances by the Maine POPS Concert Band and BarFlys Band, and a fireworks show finale.

Summerween—costume dress up day—at Summer Rec for our creative day campers and staff!

Eight new pickleball courts are now open behind Town Hall and have been active since Day One.

Kids Jamboree was a special night in Memorial Park as part of our Parks & Rec month offerings in July. Thanks to our participating partners, including Ji-Beh Martial Arts, pictured above.

Our Active Adults group enjoyed many programs and outings this summer, including an aromatic visit to Saltbox Lavender Farm, where they strolled through the gardens and made lavender sachets to take home.

Dogs on Beaches: Rules Change After Labor Day

The change of seasons also means dog rules on beaches switch for the off-season. Beginning the day after Labor Day (Tuesday, September 8), dogs are allowed off leash on beaches, under voice and sight control, for most of the day. Dogs must be on leash at all Town beaches from 1:00-3:00pm daily. And remember to clean up after your dog—no matter what time of year—to help keep our beaches beautiful for all to enjoy.

Now Hiring: Election Warden

The Town of Scarborough is seeking an Election Warden to oversee municipal elections. There are typically two elections each year. The Election Warden is responsible for enforcing the law governing voting and counting procedures at the voting place over which the warden has jurisdiction on election day. This part-time position is expected to work up to 8 days per year. On Election Day, the Warden must be available for the full day, generally from 5:00 a.m. until approximately 10:00 p.m., with scheduled breaks for provided lunch and dinner. The Warden must remain at the polling place while the polls are open and throughout the counting of ballots. Some elections may also require the Warden to work one or two half-days in the days leading up to the election to assist with absentee ballot processing.

All job applicants are required to apply online. Applications must be received by Sunday, September 27, 2026. For additional information call (207) 730-4020 or email kbarth@scarboroughmaine.org.

Deadline Approaching: Senior Property Tax Assistance

The Senior Property Tax Assistance Program applications are due by October 15th. The program is one of multiple forms of tax relief that Town of Scarborough has for residents looking for assistance with their property taxes. If your annual property tax burden exceeds 5% of household Adjusted Gross Income, you may be eligible for a return of up to $1,200 at the end of the year. For residents who rent, including owners of properties within a Manufactured Home Park, rent paid is considered part of your property tax burden.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Applicant is age 62 or older as of the application deadline

2. Applicant has been a Scarborough resident for at least 10 consecutive years as of October 15, 2026

3. Federal Adjusted Gross Income (household) does not exceed $60,000

Applications for the Property Tax Assistance Program are available online or in the Assessing Office. The deadline to apply is October 15, 2026.

When you submit your application, we will need to see identification and proof of income, either in the form of your 2025 Tax Return or your 2025 Year-End Social Security Benefit Statement, if you don’t file taxes. If you rent, we will also need a statement of rent paid between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.

Please contact the Assessing office at (207) 730-4060 or visit our office on the lower level of Town Hall if you have any questions.

Contribute Your Expertise: Join a Board or Committee

Our municipal government relies on the volunteer service of residents on boards and committees. Consider joining—your time and expertise would have tremendous impact on the Town. If you are interested in serving on a committee, apply online today.

Current Vacancies: Boards and committees that currently have vacant seats are Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, and our new Tree Care Advisory Board. Terms will be ending across all boards/committees this December, so there will be more vacancies coming up. The Town Council's Appointments and Negotiations committee reviews all applications to fill positions on an ongoing basis. See our Boards & Committee page (scroll to bottom) to learn more.

Applications are reviewed monthly by our Appointments and Negotiations Committee.

September 22: Get to Know the Candidates

Save the date for Candidates Night to learn more about those who will be on the ballot in the upcoming November election.

Nomination papers are due by this Wednesday, September 2 for those running for elected office in Scarborough in the Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 3rd. The open seats are:

• One Board of Education member, to fill a term to expire in June 2028

• Three Town Council members

• Three Sanitary District members

All candidates on the ballot will be invited to partake in a Candidates Night for the public to learn more about them and their background. It will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:00pm in Council Chambers (Town Hall) and recorded for YouTube (Scarborough Maine Public Meetings channel).

Sept 8-11: Temporary Lane Closure on Payne Road

Travel on Payne Road at Scottow Hill Road and Beech Ridge Road will be reduced to one lane between 8:30am and 4:00pm from September 8-11. The temporary lane closure will allow geotechnical experts to drill soil borings for Payne Road and Scottow Hill Road culvert design projects. 

This work was approved as part of the FY2027 budget and includes developing climate-resilient culvert designs for the Beaver Brook crossings on both roads. Scarborough will be notified shortly on whether it will receive a $3 million grant to install an upgraded culvert on Scottow Hill Road—the Town Council is awaiting this information before they make a final decision on a solution for the road. The soil boring work will be needed regardless of the final plans for the culvert work.

Questions about this work can be directed to Angela Blanchette, Town Engineer, at ablanchette@scarboroughmaine.org. 

A Look Inside Greater Portland Metro's Microtransit Van

Greater Portland Metro was on display at Summerfest sharing details and answering questions about the upcoming launch of two new service offerings coming to Scarborough this fall: a new fixed-route bus service along Route 1 and on-demand microtransit. The microtransit van, called Metro Connect, is set to launch in mid-September. It its debut at Summerfest and was open for people to tour.

What is Microtransit?

Metro Connect is an on-demand rideshare program connecting riders to destinations within a zone not serviced by the bus route. It uses an app similar to Uber to book your ride and set pick-up and drop-off locations. Pay your fare when you board the vehicle (through the app, a DiriGo pass, or cash) and enjoy the ride to your requested location.

Map of the new fixed-route bus service (Route 25) served every 45 minutes.

Learn More & Get Involved

There will be a formal event for the launch in October 2026 and free fares for the first 2-4 weeks of the service. Stay tuned for details!

September 12: Household Hazardous Waste Day

Safely dispose of your household hazardous waste on Saturday, September 12 from 8:00am-Noon at Biddeford Public Works, 371 Hill Street. This is the last of the three events for the summer.

Scarborough Public Works has coordinated these 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 (proof of residency is required).

View the full flyer with acceptable materials. Contact pwinfo@scarboroughmaine.org or (207) 730-4400 with questions.

Obsolete Pesticide Collection Programs

The Maine Board of Pesticides Control and Maine Department of Environmental Protection are hosting their annual Obsolete Pesticide Collection Programs in Maine. The events will take place in November at locations in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland. This event is FREE for Maine residents, homeowners, and family-owned farms. Any pesticides or adjuvants are accepted. Registration prior to the event is required, and accepted participants will be notified of specific event details. This event is ONLY for pesticides, BPC will not accept oils, paints, or other hazardous materials.

To sign up, visit the BPC website or contact the BPC at 207-287-2731 or pesticides@maine.gov. Registrations must be received by October 5th, 2026 to participate. 

Interested but not available in November? There are a few places that accept hazardous waste like pesticides in Maine:

• The Environmental Depot in Auburn (AVCOG, 207-783-9186)

• Riverside Recycling Facility in Portland (207-797-6200)

These facilities serve as collection sites for household hazardous waste from all Maine residents. They are separate facilities from the Maine Board of Pesticides Control. Check their websites for schedule, hours, and charges. These locations may only accept hazardous waste on specific days.

An Engaged Town Council in the Community & Online

The seven members of the Town Council aim not only to make informed decisions that best represent the needs and wants of the community, but they also seek ways to be more engaged with residents along the way. They have a monthly communications committee that began in 2017 and develops strategies for outreach and engagement opportunities. They had a table at Summerfest to talk to anyone with questions and get to know members of the community, and they will be on-site on Election Day, too. They are in the process of planning their next round of the relatively new "Conversations with Councilors" series, where they go to neighborhoods across town to meet residents where they are and discuss whatever's on their mind. Stay tuned for October/November dates that will be shared in our next newsletter.

While as councilors they all agree on the value of public engagement and coming to compromise on decision-making, not all share the same perspectives. That's why we offer a "Council Corner" segment in nearly every newsletter, to give each councilor their chance to write about a relevant topic from their own point of view. It doesn't reflect the full views of the council, but gives our readers a chance to get to know each councilor independently and learn their rationale behind a Town topic or one they find particularly impactful. Find this archive of Council Corner articles on the Council Outlook page of our website (along with their outlined goals for the year).

To contact our councilors, view the directory on our website for individual email addresses and phone numbers, or email towncouncil@scarboroughmaine.org.

Councilors Karin Shupe and Cory Fellows talking to residents at Summerfest.

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.

Upcoming Programs at Scarborough Public Library

For Adults

Memoir Meet-Ups

1st & 3rd Fridays, September 4-December 18, 10:00am-12:00pm

Register

This program offers a supportive group setting in which you are invited to write short personal stories in response to suggested writing prompts. We'll be sharing our writing in small groups, helping each other grow in our craft, with kindness rather than judgment. Prompts provided, but it is also fine to work on your own projects with your own agenda.

Chinese in Maine: Struggle to Success

Thursday, September 10, 1:00pm-2:00pm

Register

In his book, Chinese in Maine: From Struggle to Success, local historian and CAFAM board member Gary W. Libby gives us an exhaustively researched history of the Chinese Mainers who’ve helped shape our state since before the Civil War to today.

Financial Foundation: Managing Money

Tuesday, September 15, 6:00pm-7:00pm

Register

This session offers an overview of essential financial principles by exploring foundational concepts. Participants will develop healthy financial habits and strengthen their understanding of key topics such as goal setting, budgeting, saving, investing, and reducing debt. Presented by Brandon Wasser, CRPC™, Associate Financial Advisor Hughes Wealth Advisors.

Maine Author Talk: Richard Cass

Thursday, September 17, 6:00-7:00pm

Register

Join local writer Richard Cass as he talks about his latest books in The Ardmore Theberge Series: The Last Altruist, and Hard as a Headstone. Author Paul Doiron has this to say about Dick's writing: "Hard as a Headstone does what the best regional mysteries do — it makes you feel the place in your bones while keeping you guessing. The remote Maine setting is first-rate, and the motive behind the killing is one I didn't see coming."

For Kids

Preschool Learning & Discovery Time

Tuesday, September 15, 10:00-11:00am

This language enrichment program is geared for children 3-6 years old and will include stories, songs, movement activities, STEAM activities and more! Registration is not required.

Rhythm & Rhyme

Thursday, September 17, 10:00-11:00am

This interactive language enrichment program is geared for babies and toddlers birth - 3. Introduce your child to the wonderful world of literacy through songs, stories, rhymes and movement activities. Runs weekly; registration is not required.