Budget Process Wrapping Up |
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Our annual budget process is almost complete! Read on for details about what we've done so far and where we're headed.
City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath presented his Fiscal Year 2024 Budget at the March 27, 2023, City Council meeting, and departmental/supported entity budget presentations ran throughout April. View the City Administrator's budget and the departmental/supported entity presentations on our website at sacomaine.org/budget.
If you've wondered how Saco’s budget is created or what process we follow to pass a new budget each year, we encourage you to watch our new budget video. The budget video goes in-depth on the entire process, including information on how you can follow along, ask questions, and provide input. This information is posted on our website, too.
Join us for the final budget approval meeting on Monday, May 8, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the City Hall Auditorium at 300 Main Street. Public comment is welcome near the beginning of every Council meeting.
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June Election Information |
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The June 13, 2023, School Budget Referendum Election is just over a month away.
Sample ballots will be available and absentee voting begins the week of May 9, 2023, as soon as school budget details are received and verified by the City. On Election Day, all Saco voters will vote at Thornton Academy's Linnell Gymnasium (438 Main Street), from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The City is no longer conducting Election Day voting at the Community Center.
For full election details, including more information on absentee voting and sample ballots when available, visit the City Clerk online or stop by City Hall.
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Senior Tax Program Deadline 7/1 |
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The City of Saco’s Senior Tax Assistance Program is a senior property tax relief credit program that replaces the pre-2022 Senior Tax Work-off and Senior Tax Assistance Match Programs.
Applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- 65 years of age or older prior to application deadline.
- Have been living in Saco for 10 consecutive years (as a homeowner or renter).
- Recipient of a Maine Property Tax Fairness Credit.
- If a property owner, has applied for a Homestead exemption.
- Has paid property taxes due through application deadline.
If applicants meet all requirements, they qualify for a Senior Tax Assistance Credit of up to the amount of the state credit. At no time will the credit issued exceed the amount of the applicant’s property tax bill, less the state credit. Applications for the program are due on July 1, 2023. Credits will be applied to the second installment of taxes due in August.
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Saco Parks Completes Installation of New Dog Park Pavilion |
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Bring your furry friends down to the dog park during this stretch of nice weather next week! If the sun does show back up, you'll have a shady place to stand with the newly installed pavilion at the School Street dog park.
Saco Parks & Recreation Department would like to thank Saco Main Street for their donation of $10,000 to help fund the pavilion, raised from attendees at their Bark in the Park events.
"We look forward to many more years of Bark in the Park and other special events for our four-legged friends," said Parks & Recreation Director Ryan Sommer.
We ask that you help us keep the park in good shape by cleaning up after your pets.
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Recognizing Saco's Team of Administrative Professionals |
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We took a moment on April 26th to recognize Saco's incredible group of administrative professionals.
Administrative professionals keep our departments running! They can answer nearly any question about their department, they know what needs are arising before they become an issue, and they are always willing to help. We appreciate everything you do for Saco!
Please join us in thanking...
• TORIE GORMAN, Executive Assistant – Administration
• CLAIRE WYMAN, Administrative Assistant - Code Enforcement
• WILL RANKIN, Program Coordinator - Code Enforcement
• MALAIKA PICARD, Administrative Assistant - Fire Department
• LAUREN SCHUYLER-GIDDINGS, Office Aide – Parks & Recreation
• LISA HARMON, Planning Coordinator – Planning & Economic Development
• NICOLE TARRING, Office Assistant – Public Works
• JACQUELINE MCDONOUGH, Office Manager – Water Resource Recovery
Thank you again for all that you do.
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Caring About Our Environment Today and Planning for Tomorrow |
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Saco’s community members truly care about our environment.
That was clear on April 21 with the more than 100 volunteers who spread throughout the city cleaning up local green spaces as part of Saco Parks & Recreation Department’s annual Earth Day event. Thank you to everyone who participated!
As we continue to practice good stewardship of Saco’s natural environment and proactively address future needs to respond to climate change, Saco’s Energy & Sustainability Committee has been drafting initial chapters of the Climate Adaptation & Action Plan.
This community-informed plan will consider Saco’s current greenhouse gas emissions and how Saco can plan for its long-term climate health. Learn more about the Climate Adaptation & Action Plan initiative by visiting this webpage: www.sacomaine.org/climate
We encourage you to sign up for our e-mail list here to be a part of the Climate Adaptation & Action Plan process in our City. We’ll notify you as the planning process moves forward, when we schedule public events, and when we seek public input.
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Beach Reminders as the Seasons Change |
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Beach season is almost here! 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 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.
Week of May 15 (pending weather) —
The accessibility mat at Bayview Beach’s main entrance will be installed.
Parking meters also become active.
And the Saco Dog Park water comes back online for the season.
Memorial Day Weekend (May 27-29) —
The bathrooms at Bayview Beach, Camp Ellis, and the Foss Road Athletic Complex will open on Memorial Day weekend.
June 17 to End of Season —
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 17, 2022. SPR is willing to reimburse successful candidates for certification costs. Find application information online at www.sacomaine.org/careers
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Save Money & Lower Your Bill with Energy Efficiency Upgrades |
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Saco’s Energy & Sustainability Committee wants to share some ways that you can save money and improve your home efficiency.
Part 1: Efficiency Maine
This winter has been a tough one for heating, electricity, and everything else. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming to know where to find savings for your family. Saco’s Energy & Sustainability Committee has compiled some tips and resources:
Efficiency Maine has up to $17,575 in rebates for common energy upgrades that can help reduce your energy usage and bills. For those who are below a certain income or home value threshold, there are additional incentives to help with upgrades. Examples of these projects include energy assessments, washing machines, electric vehicles, heat pumps, on demand water heaters, and air purifiers.
Efficiency Maine is an independent, quasi-state agency that promotes energy efficiency programs throughout Maine. Efficiency Maine provides consumer information, marketing support, rebates, loans and other initiatives to promote high-efficiency equipment that helps residents reduce energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions. With everyone’s electric bill sky high since January, that’s some help that we could all really use.
Here's a handy grid so you can see what rebates are out there right now to help save on important home projects! You can download a full copy of the rebate incentives available on the Efficiency Maine website here.
Efficiency Maine has tapped into Maine’s network of quality contractors to help you get the work done. You can click here to use their handy tool and reach out to a local vendor for a price quote.
Efficiency Maine also offers a home energy loan program that offers unsecured loans up to $7,500 for energy efficiency projects covered by the rebate program. Interest rates are as low as 5.99%. Visit the Home Energy Loans page for more information. Your family may qualify for more than the minimum rebate amount, based on your adjusted gross income. Click here to understand more about the various income and home value thresholds for higher rebates.
You can get a copy of the Efficiency Maine home energy guide online, request a printed copy of their energy efficient booklet, or simply stop by the City Hall Code Enforcement office top pick up a printed copy.
Other Resources:
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Thornton Academy Hockey Team Honored by Saco City Council |
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On April 14, the City Council recognized the Thornton Academy boys hockey team for their state championship win.
This team was the first to win both the Sportsmanship Award from the Maine Principal’s Association, and a State Championship in the same season. It was the second season in a row that the Thornton Academy team won the Sportsmanship Award. While we’re proud of the win, the combination of winning and being a good sport is truly exemplary.
The team had an overall record of 17-4, outscoring opponents 86-35 in the season.
Congratulations to each of the team members:
PLAYERS
1 Porter Krause
2 Jake Marcotte
3 Lucas Hubbard (Capt.)
4 Kyle Lesieur (Capt.)
5 Cam Cyr
6 Brady Corson
7 Evan Beaudette (Capt.)
8 Gavin Corson
10 Alex Alonso
11 Gavin Pellerin
12 Brayden Duane
13 Thomas Verreault
14 Jake Skillings
15 Trevor Perry
18 Shane Bergeron
19 Erik Butts
20 Reichen Crossetti
21 Jake Fleurent
22 Heath McLean (Capt.)
23 Brady Pecora
24 Cash Adams
31 Drew Johnson
COACHES
Jamie Gagnon
Shawn Picard
Travis Ramsey
Marty Adams
Robbie Downing
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Bicycle Pedestrian Committee Hosts International Ride of Silence May 17 |
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Please join the Saco Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee on May 17th at 6:30 PM for the International Ride of Silence.
The International Ride of Silence is hosted in over 400 locations in more than 11 different countries with the purpose of honoring those cyclists and pedestrians who have been injured or killed by traffic-related violence and to raise awareness among all parties of the importance of sharing the road.
Participants are encouraged to meet in the parking lot of the Dyer Library at 6:30 PM to allow time for individuals to share memories and pay tribute to their loved ones. The ride, itself, will start promptly at 7:00 PM.
The ride route is just under 3 miles, centered around Downtown Saco, and suitable for all ages and skill levels. A helmet is required for all participants, and we ask that you bring a light if you have one.
The International Ride of Silence
458 Locations World-Wide
47 States (within the US)
17 Countries
6 Continents
0 Words Spoken
A million powerful memories
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Public Works Director on GPCOG Podcast |
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Saco Public Works Director Patrick Fox joined Greater Portland Council of Governments on their radio show/podcast to discuss Complete Streets.
Complete Streets is an approach to designing streets that are safe, convenient, and comfortable for all users. This design approach has been adopted by cities and towns all over the country and most recently, a regional Complete Streets Policy has been adopted. Director Fox worked with GPCOG/PACTS to make this policy possible.
Listen to the episode today on Spotify or anywhere else you listen to podcasts.
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Municipal Clerks Week 2023 |
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Professional Municipal Clerks Week is here and we'd like to recognize Saco's wonderful team!
City Clerks are integral to City Hall. They manage public records, facilitate all local elections, oversee many forms of licensing and registrations, process Freedom of Access Act requests, and pride themselves on being a bridge between the community and Saco's government.
A special thank you to City Clerk & Registrar Michele L. Hughes, Deputy City Clerk & Deputy Registrar Jessica L. Brackett and Assistant City Clerk Linda Bernier (pictured left to right).
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Saco Communications Department Earns Three National Awards |
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Each year, the National Association of Government Communicators hosts their Blue Pencil & Golden Screen Awards, recognizing excellence in the field of government communications. This competition places the City of Saco against other municipalities across the country, as well as state and federal agencies.
We are proud to be recognized for three projects, each of which were collaborations with other City departments:
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"A Year in Saco" – 1st place | Photojournalist's Portfolio
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"Saco, Maine, Phishing" – 2nd place | Educational or Instructional Video
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"What You Might Lose" OUI PSA – Award of Excellence | Public Service Announcement Short (up to 3 minutes)
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Seasonal Hiring Is Ongoing! |
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Available seasonal opportunities include:
• Lifeguard
• Seasonal Parks Laborer
Recreation counselor positions are filled for summer camp, but hiring will begin again in July for school year counselor positions.
Share this job listing with someone who might be interested. You'll be helping us to provide meaningful experiences for our young community members, maintain our green spaces, and keep our beaches safe.
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National Telecommunicators Week |
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When you think of calling 911, unfortunately, it is typically because you're in a terrible situation or experiencing one of the worst days of your life. But you may not realize that our team of professionals at the Saco Emergency Communications Center is always there on the other end of the line to help you through some of your hardest moments with compassion.
On National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 9-15, 2023), we thanked the police/fire emergency dispatchers at the Saco Police Department. They are the first and critical point of contact for community members in an emergency. Morning, noon, and night, the team is by the phone for us, serving as our "first" first responders and the link between you and needed emergency services. We are so thankful for the individuals who provide that vital service to our community daily.
To learn more about emergency dispatchers and the Saco Police Department, visit sacomaine.org/police.
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City Administrator's Open Office Hours 5/23/23 |
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Saco City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath has scheduled his monthly open office hours on May 23, 2023, from 3:30 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.
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Click each item for more information, if available.
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Receive E-mail Notifications for Council, Planning Board, and More Through E-Notify |
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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, and more.
If you encounter any issues with this system, please reach out to the Saco Communications Department at sacotv@sacomaine.org.
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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:
- Economic Development Specialist (Economic Development Department)
- Crossing Guard (Police Department)
- Emergency Communications Specialist (Police Department)
- Grounds Worker I (Parks & Recreation Department)
- Lifeguard (Parks & Recreation Department)
- Patrol Officer (Police Department)
- Mechanic (Public Works)
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.
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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.
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