Editor: The idea that Biddeford must “hold multiple truths at once” sounds reasonable, but it sidesteps a harder reality: priorities require trade-offs. When costs are rising for residents, choosing not to limit spending is a choice—one that shows up directly in higher property taxes. Organizations like Heart of Biddeford played an important role years ago … Continue reading LETTER | Biddeford doesn’t face a false choice. It faces a necessary one
Tag: Biddeford Budget
LETTER | City councilor explains budget limitations
Different tax rates -- based on property values -- may sound appealing, but it is not allowed by state law Editor: The city of Biddeford is currently in the time of the year affectionately known as ‘budget season.’ Hard decisions and complex discussions are the name of the game during this season. As I’ve sat … Continue reading LETTER | City councilor explains budget limitations
LETTER | Perennial candidate offers thoughts about social services funding
Bob Mills -- a former city councilor and York County treasurer who resigned both positions in April 2024, -- lost his 2025 bid to return to his Ward Four council seat and is now again running to recapture his county treasurer seat and is also running to represent Ward 4 on the city's Charter Review … Continue reading LETTER | Perennial candidate offers thoughts about social services funding
Council aims for ‘bare bones’ city budget
City Manager finds some significant savings while councilors consider deep cuts to social service funding requests; a public hearing will be held tonight By RANDY SEAVER | Editor At the start of the Biddeford City Council’s budget workshop meeting on Monday, City Manager Truc Dever walked members of the council through several pages of a … Continue reading Council aims for ‘bare bones’ city budget
EDITORIAL | City should fully fund our library’s request
The McArthur Library on Main Street has been serving every citizen of Biddeford --regardless of income -- for nearly 125 years. They deserve our full support. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Many Biddeford residents – rightfully so – are very concerned about the city’s ongoing debate regarding next year’s municipal budget. Without even considering likely … Continue reading EDITORIAL | City should fully fund our library’s request
Biddeford residents | ‘Please raise my taxes’
During Tuesday's public hearing about next year's municipal budget, a majority of those speaking supported increased spending and no cuts to social service programs By RANDY SEAVER | Editor More than 60 people – including many supporters of the McArthur Library -- packed the Biddeford City Council Chambers Tuesday to listen and speak at the … Continue reading Biddeford residents | ‘Please raise my taxes’
Councilor offers inside view of Biddeford’s budget
Editor's note: The following is a response that Biddeford City Council President Liam LaFountain sent to a resident who expressed concerns about this year's municipal budget. By Liam LaFountain Thank you for taking the time to write and for your thoughtful engagement with this year’s city budget. Your questions about affordability, sustainability, and fiscal discipline are essential. … Continue reading Councilor offers inside view of Biddeford’s budget
OPINION: What is community? How much does it cost?
Former Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant -- now the vice president of the non-profit Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center -- appeared before the Biddeford City Council Thursday to present his organization's annual funding request. Before the meeting started, Casavant was seated next to me in the back row of the council chamber. We made some small … Continue reading OPINION: What is community? How much does it cost?
Biddeford budget: ‘Saltines & Cauliflower’
The Biddeford City Council was presented Tuesday with preliminary budget proposals from both the School Department and the acting city manager. There were a lot of grim faces in the room after both acting City Manager Brian Phinney and School Superintendent Jeremy Ray reviewed their budget projections with the council. Because of a technical glitch, … Continue reading Biddeford budget: ‘Saltines & Cauliflower’
Councilor explains Biddeford budget process
By Liam LaFountain Every year, the city makes difficult choices about where to invest tax dollars — from public safety and road repairs to parks and essential services. Budget season is when those decisions take shape. The city budget is more than numbers — it’s a fiscal statement of what Biddeford values and how much … Continue reading Councilor explains Biddeford budget process
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 