Final Budget Meeting Monday 5/9 |
On March 28, 2022 Saco’s City Administrator, Finance Director, School Superintendent, and School Finance Director, presented their budgets for the new fiscal year.
During April, department heads presented their budgets to the City Council. Our departments look forward to this opportunity to update the public on major accomplishments and challenges.
For information on how to watch Council meetings and directions on how to submit questions and comments, click here.
FY2023 Department Budget Presentations:
April 4th Presentations:
April 11th Presentations:
April 25th Presentations:
Next Up:
On May 9, 2022, the City Council will vote to formally approve the new fiscal year budget. The final approval includes approval of the School Budget, Capital Program, and Departmental Budgets.
There's still time to make your voice heard. Public comment is allowed near the beginning of every Council meeting. Plan to watch or participate!
If you have a question about the budget process or a department presentation, please email budget@sacomaine.org. We will post the questions and answers on the Q&A page.
|
|
|
|
Saco State Primary & Municipal Budget Validation Referendum Elections Happening Next Month |
|
On Election Day, Tuesday, June 14, 2022, the polls will be open from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM. All Saco voters will vote at Thornton Academy, 438 Main Street.
Vote In-Person & Pick Up Ballots - Absentee ballots will be available around May 13, 2022, for the June 14, 2022, State Primary & Municipal Budget Validation Referendum Elections in the City Clerk Department on the first floor of City Hall.
Other ways to request a ballot include:
-
Phone - You can also call the office at 284-4831. We will mail the ballots to you.
-
Immediate Family or 3rd Person - Have an immediate family member pick a ballot up for you, or you can have a 3rd person pick up a ballot for you after you complete the application and designate them to do so.
Return Ballots:
-
Drop Box - Due to COVID restrictions and limitations, we have placed a secure “Official City of Saco Absentee Ballot Drop Box” on the Cutts Avenue side of City Hall for you to return your ballot. We empty the box several times a day.
-
Mail - You can also mail your ballot in.
-
Hand Deliver - You can also hand deliver your ballot to the City Clerk’s Office on the first floor. There may be a line. We will need to pull your application(s) and have you sign off on the application(s).
Click on the headers below to be taken to the City Clerk's webpage for more detailed information on everything from absentee voting to serving as an election warden or clerk.
Absentee ballots may be requested up to 3 months before an election. Click on the link above to learn more about absentee voting or to request a ballot. Open until 6 PM on June 9th.
Sample ballots will be available around May 13, 2022.
How do I register to vote? Where do I register to vote? What are Maine's recognized political parties? Click on the link above for more information.
Saco has seven wards. Click on the link above to find which ward you live in.
Information on how to be a write-in candidate and how to vote for one may be found by clicking on the link above.
Ranked Choice Voting allows voters to "rank their choice" of candidates for each race as follows: first choice, second choice, third choice and so forth. For more information on Ranked-choice voting you can visit the Department of the Secretary of State "Resources for Ranked-choice voting" webpage.
Click on the link above to view election results.
We are currently looking for residents to serve as election wardens and clerks. Please click on the link above to learn more about these paid positions.
|
|
More than 170 Volunteers Join Parks & Rec for Earth Day Cleanup Event |
|
To celebrate Earth Day, 170+ volunteers joined Saco Parks & Recreation Department on April 22, spreading throughout the City to clean up public parks, trails, playgrounds, and green spaces.
This annual event is always such a fun and productive community gathering that helps to kick off the start of Spring. We appreciate everyone who volunteered.
Spanning generations and levels of experience, we witnessed a lot of learning, exploring, and teamwork among the groups at each of the nine Earth Day cleanup locations.
Have you explored all the natural beauty that Saco has to offer? The Saco Conservation Commission StoryMap is a great place to start learning more: www.sacomaine.org/explore
|
|
Lifeguard Positions Open at Saco Parks & Rec |
|
You must be age 16+ and lifeguard-certified or have the ability to be certified by June 15, 2022. SPR is willing to reimburse successful candidates for certification costs.
|
|
Local Eagle Scout Partnered with City for Flag Retirement Program |
|
Will Barry, of Saco Troop 310, earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was recognized at the March 28, 2022, City Council meeting for his community-focused project.
Will built four drop-off boxes for old flags, all now located in Saco and Old Orchard Beach. You can find the flag donation boxes at the following locations:
- Biddeford-Saco Elks #1597
- VFW 7997 Old Orchard Beach
- Saco Transfer Station
- Old Orchard Beach Town Hall
He didn't stop with just providing accessible collection locations – Will also built a flag retirement fire pit, which was used at a Community Flag Retirement Ceremony.
At the March 28 meeting where Mayor Doyle recognized Will's achievement, Will stood and said a few words.
"I've wanted to be an Eagle Scout since 2010," he said. "The goal has been nine years in thought and almost two years in planning and execution."
"One of the boxes that I had was planned to be delivered to the Saco Transfer Station. I didn't know who to reach out to for approval," Will said, talking about the challenge of finding and delivering to his planned locations. "Mr. Moore [Travis Moore, Deputy Director of Public Works] gave his seal of approval for the project; he was really excited about it. And so, I have to say thank you to that."
Congratulations on your achievement, Will, and thank you for your service to our community.
|
|
Early Beach Season Reminders |
|
Beach season is right around the corner! City staff are hard at work preparing facilities for the arrival of more locals and visitors to our coast. Below you’ll find some important information as to beach operations this summer. Please note opening dates are subject to change.
April 1 to Sept. 30 —
All dogs must be leashed on Saco Beaches from April 1st thru September 30th. Piping Plovers have already been seen scrapping on Saco Beaches. We thank you for doing your part to help these threatened shorebirds survive. As a reminder please make sure that you pick up after your dog and dispose of it properly.
Today —
Parking passes are available online at www.sacomaine.org/parking. The new online system saves you a trip to City Hall, relieves pressure on our Finance staff, and simplifies the process. Parking passes allow parking at the Camp Ellis lot, the two parking lots at Bayview, and the Saco Transportation Center.
For Saco residents, the parking pass is $25.00 for the first car and $5 for a second car. We also offer a free pass for veterans of any age and a free pass for residents over 62 years of age. You will need to present your car registration as proof of residency for each pass, and each pass is assigned to a specific vehicle and is not transferable to other vehicles.
May 15 (pending weather) —
Saco Parks & Recreation Department installs the accessibility mat at Bayview Beach’s main entrance.
Week of May 9 —
The bathrooms at Bayview Beach and Camp Ellis will open on the week of May 9th.
The new bathrooms at the Foss Road Recreation Complex are open now.
June 19 to Sept. 6 —
Saco Parks & Recreation seasonal lifeguards will begin patrolling Saco beaches. Apply today to join our lifeguard team with pay ranging between $15-$18/hr (depending on experience and role). You must be age 16+ and lifeguard certified or have the ability to be certified by June 15, 2022. SPR is willing to reimburse successful candidates for certification costs. Find application information online at www.sacomaine.org/careers
|
|
Fire Department Receives Water Donation |
|
The Saco Fire Department recently received a significant donation of Poland Spring Water from BlueTriton Brand.
We would like to thank Poland Spring and BlueTriton Brand for the on-going commitment to provide donations of drinking water to public safety organizations across the State and especially here in York County.
The generosity of Poland Spring helps to ensure the members of local response agencies, like the Saco Fire Department, can stay hydrated during emergency incidents and training sessions. The donated water is greatly appreciated and takes a small burden off local budgets. We feel fortunate to have the company partner with us in providing for the well-being of public safety officials.
-Deputy Chief David Pendleton
Saco Fire Department
|
|
Saco Conservation Commission Participates in No Mow May |
|
No Mow May is all about the Bees
This new community initiative of limiting lawn-mowing during the month of May is gaining popularity around the world to address extreme declines in wild bee populations. The United Nations considers this dwindling of bees a serious problem with the global food supply.
No Mow May, originally started in the UK, has spread to the US and gained popularity in cities from Appleton, WI to Rockland, ME. By limiting your mowing, residents can provide early season food for bees, especially in urban and suburban areas.
In a study measuring the effects of No Mow May, results showed that residents who restrained their mowing and let the grasses grow wild for the month encouraged more diverse flora growth, drawing five times more bees. If you support growing more native flora in your yard and increasing bee nesting habitat, consider storing your lawn mower until June – encouraging biodiversity to fight climate change and helping the bees to thrive and pollinate!
– Saco Conservation Commission
|
|
Municipal Clerks Week Proclamation |
|
On May 2, Saco Mayor William Doyle proclaimed May 1-7, 2022, as Municipal Clerks Week in Saco. We appreciate all the tireless work that our local City Clerks Office provides. Read the proclamation below:
Whereas, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local government exists throughout the world, and
Whereas, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public servants, and
Whereas, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels, and
Whereas, Professional Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all.
Whereas, The Professional Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community.
Whereas, Professional Municipal Clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops and the annual meetings of their state, provincial, county and international professional organizations.
Whereas, It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk.
Now, Therefore, I, William Doyle, Mayor of Saco, do recognize the week of May 1 through May 7, 2022, as Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and further extend appreciation to our Professional Municipal Clerk, Michele Hughes, and to all Professional Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent.
|
|
Police Department Recognizes Employees & New Retiree |
|
Officer Garrison Retires after 35 Years of Service
On April 8th, current and former members of the Saco Police Department gathered to celebrate the retirement of Officer Steve Garrison. Officer Garrison proudly served the citizens of Saco for 35 years.
During his time with Saco PD, Officer Garrison worked as a detective and was an extremely accomplished drug recognition expert (DRE). Additionally, Officer Garrison significantly contributed to the safety of our community by working diligently to find and stop impaired drivers, arresting thousands during his tenure with Saco PD (as many as three in a single 8-hour shift). Officer Garrison also enjoyed supporting the department's socks for seniors fundraiser each year by delivering the donations to Saco's local seniors, supporting veterans in our community, and engaging with our younger community members on Halloween.
Before joining Saco PD, Officer Garrison served our country in the US Army with Military Police and the citizens of Vermont as a corrections officer and a police officer. His prior service brings him to nearly 45 years of cumulative law enforcement service. Officer Garrison can be described as a "cop's cop" and exemplified the traits and values of a genuinely great police officer.
We'll certainly miss working with you, Steve; you're one of a kind in the best possible way. So, congratulations, we wish you a long, happy retirement!
|
|
Animal Control Officer Week
This second full week in April marked Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week, and we’d like to introduce you to Saco’s ACO, Kaden Flynn.
ACO Flynn joined us three years ago and responds to an average of approximately 1,400 calls for service every year. So that works out to about 26 calls per week.
Before working as an ACO, Flynn volunteered in animal shelters and said he has always wanted a job that allowed him to work with animals.
“I’m here to help animals and our community,” Flynn said.
While he spends most of his time responding to loose dogs or wildlife calls, he also ensures dog licenses are appropriately obtained and renewed. It’s no small task – there are more than 3,000 dogs in Saco!
Flynn also monitors the seasonal piping plover nesting sites along our coastal beaches and dunes.
“I love watching them,” he said. “It’s nice to know we’re helping the population grow.”
Whether he’s finding a lost puppy, tending to an unhealthy coyote, or freeing a stuck raccoon (all situations he’s encountered in the last six months), ACO Flynn brings care and attention to each call. We are grateful for the service he provides to our community.
|
|
Three Current Officers Promoted to Sergeant
We are delighted to announce the promotion of a few of our members to the rank of sergeant. Dan Beaulieu, currently serving as a patrol officer on dayshift, and Monica Fahy, a corporal on dayshift, will be the sergeants of our overnight shift effective mid-April. Matt Roberts, currently serving as a corporal on the evening shift, will be a sergeant on the evening shift.
We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and are excited to have them serve in this formal leadership position.
Congratulations to Sergeant Beaulieu, Sergeant Fahy, and Sergeant Roberts!
|
|
National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week was April 10th to 16th, and we are so thankful for the dedicated service our local dispatch operators give to our community.
In a letter to our local public safety communicators, the National Emergency Number Association, Maine Chapter 32 wrote, “Throughout the pandemic, there was always someone answering the phone to calm a fearful parent whose child wouldn’t wake up. There was always someone to tell a husband how to perform CPR on their wife. There was always someone there to send an ambulance for COVID-19 positive patients who needed to go to the hospital for life support. Throughout the pandemic, there was always someone there to be the calm voice in the citizen of Maine’s darkest moments. That calm voice, that hero, was you.”
Each public safety telecommunicator in Saco received a challenge coin from NENA, Maine Chapter 42 with the support of Evans Consoles (pictured here).
Please join us in showing your appreciation for our local emergency communications team!
|
|
Saco PD Hiring Patrol Officers Now
As you can see above, we're fortunate to have a dedicated group of law enforcement officers here in Saco. The department is looking for new members to add to its team. Learn more and apply today at www.sacomaine.org/careers.
|
|
City Administrator's Open Office Hours 5/24 |
|
Saco City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath has scheduled his monthly open office hours for May 24, 2022, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM at City Hall, 300 Main Street.
All community members are invited to share their thoughts, views, concerns, or complaints with the City Administrator directly.
Please call (207) 282-4191 if you have any questions or if you'd like to schedule an appointment with Bryan outside of the open office hours.
|
|
Workshop Offers Opportunity to Learn How to Protect our Local Watershed |
|
Do you live, work, or play in the Goosefare Brook Watershed? A #watershed is an area of land where all the rain and snow drains to the same waterbody, in this case, Goosefare Brook.
#YardScaping Tip: Add white clover to your lawn to help add free nutrients to your soil.
|
|
Receive E-mail Notifications for Council, Planning Board, and More Through E-Notify |
|
Would you like to hear from us more than once a month?
Sign up for e-notify to receive custom e-mail notifications on important City happenings, such as the release of new City Council and Planning Board agendas, RFPs, or updates about the ongoing Comprehensive Planning process.
|
|
The City of Saco has open positions.
We encourage you to take a look at the job opportunities currently available with the City of Saco on our Careers page. There is so much important work that goes in to keeping the City running, often behind the scenes.
We're currently hiring for these positions:
- Patrol Officer
- General Assistance Administrator
- Assistant City Planner
- Lifeguards
- Dock Steward
If nothing is a great fit for you, consider passing the listings along to friends and family who might be looking for a satisfying and important career.
|
|
We are always looking for ways to improve communication with our community members. As always, if there is anything we can do to better communicate information, please let us know by emailing ERoy@sacomaine.org. Be sure to check out our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages using the buttons below. You can also see news and updates on the City of Saco website at www.sacomaine.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
