Biddeford voters are being asked to approve two significant bond questions; and whether the city needs a new Charter Review Commission to consider potential changes to the city’s charter.
The charter has not been updated since 2016.
The two bond (borrowing) questions include a $20 million sewer separation project (Question 1) and a $6 million bond to be used for recreational upgrades and repairs (Question 2)
QUESTION ONE (Sewer Separation) $20 million
Biddeford’s original sewer system was a one-pipe system, meaning that the same pipe carries storm water and household wastewater from toilets, tubs and sinks. During heavy rains, the single pipe cannot handle the high volume of water, and as a result, untreated wastewater from our toilets overflows into water bodies such as the Saco River. The City’s Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) program creates a two-pipe system: one pipe that carries the household wastewater to the treatment plant and a separate pipe for carrying stormwater.
City officials say ongoing CSO work is critical for keeping wastewater pollution out of our rivers and streams. A CSO system is required by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. If the work is not done on an agreed schedule, the city could face significant fines ($30,000 per violation and $100 for each day that work is not completed). The estimated cost of the required work through 2036 is approximately $40,000,000. If voters reject this bond initiative, the projects will be funded out of property taxes and could case vast swings in property taxes.
According to the city manager’s office, the impact of this $20 million bond question on a median home valued at $382,500 will be $109.73, based on the average bond payment. SEE MORE DETAILS HERE
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QUESTION TWO (Recreation Bond) $6 million
This question is intended to fund improvements to the city’s recreation facilities at Clifford Park, Rotary Park, Shevenell Park, Memorial Park (Mayfield), Doran Field, St. Louis Field, J. Richard Martin Community Center, West Brook Skating Rink, Biddeford Ice Arena, or a future skate park.
The Recreation Department has identified a long list of needed upgrades and repairs, including the Biddeford Ice Arena, a new skatepark, modernizing public restrooms at Mayfield Park; the replacement of an outdated boiler at the J. Richard Martin Community Center; new signage and parking lot improvements at Clifford Park and a wide array of upgrades at Rotary Park, including improved ADA access to the beach area. SEE MORE DETAILS HERE
Based on the average bond payment, the impact of this question on a median home valued at $382,500 is $37.62, according to city officials.
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QUESTION THREE (Charter Commission)
Biddeford’s Charter outlines how our city government is structured and how it operates. State law requires that if any changes are to be made to the Charter, a Charter Commission must be created to review the Charter and propose revisions.
The Commission may suggest changes, leave the Charter as it is, or propose an entirely new Charter. Any proposed changes must then go back to the voters for approval in a future election. Before a Charter Commission can be formed, voters must first decide whether they want one.
If the referendum passes, voters will elect members to serve on the Commission in June 2026. The new commission will organize in July 2026 and have nine to 12 months to work on their recommendations to the city council. There will be public hearings involved in this process, allowing all residents opportunities to share their thoughts. SEE MORE DETAILS HERE
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 