OPINION | Public trust in city government has eroded

Many of Biddeford’s problems began several years ago, but rebuilding public trust will require more than statements and workshops.

By TAMMY BELANGER | Gazette Columnist

Public trust in Biddeford City Hall has eroded, and many residents believe the problem is no longer simply about politics — it is about accountability.

Across neighborhoods, social media discussions, council meetings, and local news comment sections, taxpayers continue to voice the same concern: city officials may hear residents, but they are not truly listening.

Years of controversial financial decisions have left many citizens frustrated and skeptical. Concerns over Tax Increment Financing districts (TIFs), credit enhancement agreements, and the transfer of valuable city assets to private development projects have fueled a growing perception that City Hall prioritizes developers over taxpayers.

Critics argue that while these agreements were promoted as investments in Biddeford’s future, many residents have instead watched their tax burden continue to rise while city services and infrastructure remain strained.

The distrust did not develop overnight. Many residents believe decisions made under previous administrations moved the city in directions voters never fully supported.

From controversial development agreements to financial management concerns, confidence in municipal leadership has steadily declined. At the same time, the current council and administration appear to be attempting to untangle years of unresolved issues inherited from prior leadership.

Financial transparency has become one of the largest concerns. Biddeford has faced overdue audits, reports of deficiencies in financial oversight and ongoing concerns about accountability surrounding municipal finances. Residents have repeatedly called for clearer communication regarding city spending, budgeting priorities, and long-term financial obligations.

To be fair, many of the
current councilors did not
create these problems.

Public frustration has also grown around reductions in public accessibility and service availability. Residents frequently point to City Hall operating on a four-day public schedule and the recycling transfer station also being open only four days per week, while taxpayers continue to face rising costs.

For many residents, these reduced hours contribute to a broader perception that city services are becoming less accessible at a time when citizens are being asked to contribute more financially.

To be fair, many of the current councilors did not create these problems. Several have openly acknowledged the need for stronger oversight, tighter controls, and better transparency. However, rebuilding public trust will require more than statements and workshops.

Residents want consistent financial accountability, timely audits, open communication, and evidence that taxpayer dollars are being protected with the same care families use in managing their own household budgets.

Biddeford remains a city with enormous potential, but public confidence is fragile. Trust can be rebuilt, but only through transparency, accountability, and a willingness to genuinely listen to the residents who fund city government every single year.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | TAMMY BELANGER is a Biddeford Gazette columnist. She is a longtime resident, small business owner, photographer and dog lover living in Biddeford. “I am a wife and a mother of three adults who were raised here. I care deeply about our community, and the people who live here,” she says.

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