Our Comprehensive Plan Process is Moving into the Final Phase |
Thank you to everyone who participated in our in-person and virtual open houses for the draft plan. A summary of what we heard is available on the city’s webpage.
The Comprehensive Plan is now in the review and approval process with the Planning Board and City Council.
The complete draft plan and appendices are available for review online at www.sacomaine.org/comp_plan and in hard copy at City Hall. We encourage you to submit comments through this form.
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Senior Tax Program Q&A Session |
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On January 10, 2022, the Saco City Council updated Chapter 175, revamping existing local tax assistance for qualifying community members. This new tax/rent assistance program is for 10-year residents, age 65+, who also qualify for the State of Maine Property Tax Fairness Credit. The City of Saco Senior Tax Assistance Program offers a match to the Maine Property Tax Fairness credit. This year only, the match is up to two times the credit.
The timeline for application is short in our first year of implementation, due to tax due dates and the ordinance enactment process. Applications for the City of Saco Senior Tax Assistance Program are due February 15, 2022, for current year taxes. Find a list of qualifications and start your application today by visiting www.sacomaine.org/seniortax, calling 207-710-2654, or e-mailing the Saco Finance Department at mlavigne@sacomaine.org.
Have questions?
Attend our Senior Tax Program Question & Answer Session at City Hall (300 Main Street) on Tuesday, February 8, at 10:00 AM! A tax preparer will be on-site to answer questions, and we will have coffee and donuts for attendees. This event is hosted in partnership with Age Friendly Saco. Call (207) 282-4191 for more information on the event.
Additionally, any resident interested in assistance with completing the City application for the Senior Tax Program or the Maine State Property Tax Fairness Credit is welcome to call the Age Friendly Saco office at (207) 710-5029. An Age Friendly Volunteer with tax preparation experience will call you back and guide you through the application.
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Dog Licensing Deadline Extended |
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In light of the difficulty of getting vet appointments, the Saco City Council has extended the dog registration deadline from January 31, 2022, to April 1, 2022.
Dog Licenses are issued by the City Clerk's Office (online license) & Finance Department (in-person licenses) at the first floor center lobby of City Hall. Licenses are issued for one year ending December 31st.
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Recognizing 2021 Milestone Employees |
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From City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath:
We’ve arrived in 2022, and I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to every City of Saco employee who remained committed to our community. It was another year of changes, of pivoting quickly, and of continuing to provide quality services throughout times that we never could’ve imagined. Yet, Saco still finds itself in a strong position, in large part because of our incredible staff and our supportive community members.
I’ve recently visited with employees who reached 5-year milestones across several departments. Combined, these staff members represent 235 years of service to the City of Saco. Their talent, dedication, and depth of knowledge are critical to keeping our organization running smoothly.
Watch the video below to meet them, and say congratulations to them next time you see them around town.
Again, thank you all.
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Age Friendly Saco Launches New
On-Demand Transportation Program
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Age Friendly Saco is launching a new on-demand transportation program for our older community members, beginning February 1st.
As the initiative gets rolling, the rides will be available to anyone 65+ for medical appointments only. Anyone may request a ride by calling (207) 200-7688 at least five days in advance. Masks are required while in transport.
Both drivers have an extensive history in the Saco area and plenty of driving experience.
“I love driving,” said Linda B., a retired truck driver and Saco Food Pantry volunteer, pictured left. “You want to go somewhere? Just hop in, and I’ll take you.”
To learn more about Age Friendly Saco and how they help our older community members age in place, visit them online at www.agefriendlysaco.org.
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Parks & Rec FROSTIVAL is Right Around The Corner, Register Now |
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If this snowy weather has you excited for more winter then check out Saco Parks & Recreation's upcoming FROSTIVAL Event scheduled for February 26th! Embrace what winter has to offer and join us for a family day out at the Saco Recreation Complex for our Winter FROSTIVAL Event.
Specific activities will be weather dependent, and the event will include:
- FREE snowshoe rentals
- Ice skating
- Sledding
- Fire pits
- S'mores
- Hot chocolate
- And concessions (to purchase).
Plus we will have a scavenger hunt on our winter trails that will lead you to a hot chocolate stand and fire pit in the woods!
If you are already over the winter season, then check out Saco Parks & Rec's website for all things SPRING! New programs have been added for the spring season including: More Pickleball, Start Smart Golf, Safe Sitter, T-Ball, Outdoor Spring Track and Soccer, and others!
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Sign up Now for Future Parking Ban
E-mail Notifications
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If a significant storm is predicted, a parking ban may be ordered. The parking ban will prohibit parking on city streets allowing Saco Public Works crews to perform their job quickly and efficiently. During parking bans, the Transfer Station is closed, allowing the department to have more personnel available to fight the storm. If trash and recycling collection is impacted by a parking ban, the change in collection will be shared with the parking ban notification.
The best way to ensure you see parking ban notices and building closures is to sign up for our e-mail list at www.sacomaine.org/stay-connected.php. Sign up today, and check your e-mail as it snows.
You can also always reach our parking ban hotline at (207) 282-SNOW (7669), or check local radio and TV stations, who also receive notices from us in the event of a parking ban or building closure.
The only location that allows for overnight parking within the City of Saco is the Long-Term parking lot at the Saco Transportation Center (138 Main Street). Overnight parking is not allowed on any other city owned parking lot and vehicles will be towed. See the map at www.sacomaine.org/parkingban for information about parking in the East Lot or West Lot.
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ROGER MARTIN
Roger Martin has dedicated almost 32 years to Saco Public Works operations. January 15th marked his last day with the department as he moves into retirement. On January 14th, the Public Works Department threw Roger a retirement party with his family present (pictured here).
Roger is known for being reliable, dependable, and always willing to take on any assignment to provide quality services to our community members. Roger spent 29 years as a truck driver with a passion for snow removal. The last three years, you may have seen him staffing the Transfer Station.
Roger came from a family of public servants and has given so much back to the Saco community during his time with the Public Works Department. We will miss seeing you at work, especially when it snows, but we are pleased to know that we will still see you around town.
Best of luck, Roger, as you enjoy your well-deserved retirement. Thank you for all you have done for the City of Saco.
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RON LAVOIE
Saco Parks & Recreation Department marked the departure of a decades-long Parks employee on February 1st.
“I’ve worked here 20 years, but it seemed like two,” said Parks Maintainer/Truck Driver Ron Lavoie toward the end of his retirement luncheon. He credits the time flying by to the good people, constant rewarding work, and the community.
Born and raised in Maine, Ron calls Saco home, and both his children also reside in York County. He’s spent his years with the Parks crew maintaining many of the beautiful natural spaces we all enjoy. He also supports Public Works' snow clearing operations as a plow truck driver, as recently as during the peak of the January 29th blizzard.
With his well-earned time off, Ron plans to spend time with his family, his 2-year-old rescue dog “Big Papi,” and travel in his RV.
Enjoy your retirement, Ron, and thank you so much for your years of service to the Saco community.
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City Offices Closed Presidents' Day |
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City offices will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2022, in observance of Presidents' Day. Trash and recycling collection in Saco are unaffected by the holiday.
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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, or updates about the ongoing Comprehensive Planning process.
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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.
If nothing is a great fit for you, consider passing the listings along to friends and family who might be looking for work.
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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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