An iconic, but long neglected, sign post in Biddeford may be getting a new lease on life.
The former MOBIL gas station sign – nearly 40 feet tall- sits near the center of the Five Points intersection. It is visible to commuters traveling on both Route One and Route 111. It is also visible to drivers entering or exiting the city on both West and Graham streets.
Earlier this week, the city issued an invitation for artists to submit ideas for how the sign could be redesigned as an entry point into the city.
The former Mobil gas station sign may be revitalized (Seaver photo)
In its request, the city says it is seeking an artist to “create a welcoming, community-inspired design for the historic” sign.
According to Mayor Marty Grohman, improvements made to the sign will not involve public funds.
Grohman says he is confident that a private fundraising campaign and perhaps some grant funds could be used to revitalize the sign, which has been an eyesore for more than a decade.
“We’re talking about a project that is located in a key gateway to our community,” Grohman said, pointing out that the city’s growth is edging outward.
Grohman said that the Downtown Development Commission (DDC) has embraced the concept that the city’s downtown area extends well beyond the lower end of Main Street.
The proposed project is getting a mixed reaction on social media. Some residents say the sign should be scrapped, while others say they are excited to see some creativity and new ideas.
According to a press release from the city, the DDC hopes to “transform a key gateway into the downtown with an engaging, vibrant visual statement that reflects Biddeford’s rich industrial and cultural heritage, its creative energy and its commitment to public art.”
“We’re talking about a project that is located in a key gateway to our community.”
— Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman
The project is a direct response to Biddeford’s Cultural Plan and Public Art guidelines.
According to the public invitation, the final design should foster a sense of place, welcome visitors and celebrate the evolving identity of Biddeford as a hub for creativity and cultural exchange.
“This is an open call for anyone interested in making a lasting impact on the city’s visual landscape,” Grohman said.
The selected artist will work closely with city officials and the Downtown Development Commission to ensure that the final piece resonates with community values and meets site-specific requirements, according to the press release.
For more information on how to submit a design, please click this link.
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Last week, more than two dozen people appeared before the Biddeford City Council, each of them requesting varying amounts of public funding for their respective non-profit organizations.
It is an annual process that is just one part of the city’s annual budget.
None of the public presenters were questioned or challenged about their funding requests – except one.
Vassie Fowler, executive director of the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center, was questioned about her funding request by veteran City Councilor Marc Lessard.
Fowler told the council that her organization’s budget has exploded over the past 12 months, from a total of $345,000 last year to a projected $1.1 million this year.
Vassie Fowler, executive director, Seeds of Hope
“It’s hard for me to even say that number out loud,” Fowler told the council.
Last year, Fowler asked the council for a $50,000 donation. Ultimately, the council then approved a $28,000 expenditure for Seeds of Hope.
This year, Fowler is asking the city for a contribution of $180,000 primarily to support the installation of fire sprinklers on the second floor of the former church on South Street, where between 40 and 50 unhoused residents stay during the evening.
Fowler told the council that she expects to pay $150,000 for the sprinkler system, and said her organization is in “serious need” to support its daily meals, pointing out that a single gallon of orange juice now costs $8.
Fowler said Seeds of Hope served more than 36,000 meals last year. “We are focused on getting the most out of every dollar,” she said. “At this, point finding solutions to the growing need seems impossible.”
Fowler said her organization was quite different than other organizations asking for funds, such as the Heart of Biddeford, City Theater, LaKermesse or Subscircle, a community arts program.
“What we do is not fun to talk about,” she said.
After Fowler completed her presentation, Mayor Marty Grohman asked if any of the councilors had any questions. Lessard raised his hand.
Lessard pointed out that last summer the city committed $1.3 million to begin a new “test program” to provide structured services for unhoused residents. Almost nine months later, the city still does not have a permanent plan to address the issue.
City Councilor Marc Lessard
“We have no guarantees about what your operation will look like or how it will function after November,” Lessard said to Fowler.
During a telephone interview on Sunday, Lessard said he was simply asking the same questions he asked last year when Grohman and former City Manager James Bennett outlined a plan that would allow the city to close a sizeable homeless encampment near Mechanic’s Park.
“I am concerned that we have no long-term security in how this program will operate in the future,” Lessard said. “There’s nothing stopping them from becoming a for-profit organization or shutting down.
“I just want some assurances,” Lessard said. “I am trying to safeguard the city.”
Growing questions and a growing need
The city began its new “homeless approach” in July 2024, after the annual budget was already approved.
Bennett told the council then that the city could tap into some of the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds that the city had received.
Bennett laid out a two-phase approach, the first part of which would be to hire a new homeless outreach worker and provide several zero-gravity chairs to Seeds of Hope. The second-phase included funding to make repairs and upgrades to the former church that included the installation of several shower stalls and a new kitchen.
But after learning that the city could not use the CDBG funds for work on an historic building, the renovation project was abruptly halted as the city struggled to find a new way to fund the renovation project.
Fowler said that once Seeds of Hope was asked to provide the city with overnight services, her operating costs skyrocketed because of the need for additional staffing, utility costs and other supplies.
“To me, it doesn’t make sense to fix something that isn’t broken,”
— Vassie Fowler
“I think it’s important to remember that this was the city’s plan,” Fowler told the Biddeford Gazette during a subsequent interview. “We’re just the vehicle the city decided to use to tackle this problem.”
When asked by Lessard about a guarantee or assurances, Fowler said it depends on what the city wants.
“We will always be a non-profit,” Fowler replied. “The answer is that’s a conversation that needs to happen. I’m open to it. I have always been open to it. We’re open to all possibilities.
“To me, it doesn’t make sense to fix something that isn’t broken,” Fowler added. “This is working. We are finding permanent solutions to homelessness in our community. I cannot imagine why we wouldn’t continue to do that.”
As a resident of Biddeford, Fowler told the Gazette that she very much appreciates Lessard and his fiscally-conservative perspective.
“Marc really cares about this city, and we need people like him who are going to keep a close eye on things,” Fowler said.
For his part, Lessard told the Gazette that it is sometimes hard being in the minority on the council.
“I have a very deep appreciation for everything that Vassie and Seeds does for our community,” Lessard said. “I don’t feel as if I’m asking for a lot by looking for some concrete assurances.
“We are facing a budget that is putting a big strain on the backs of most taxpayers,” he added. “We talk a lot about affordable housing but then we go ahead and make housing less affordable. It’s just not sustainable.”
“That’s a good back and forth,” Grohman said of the exchange between Fowler and Lessard on Thursday evening.
Randy Seaver is the editor of the Biddeford Gazette. He can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com
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The seven-month project is expected to have a “significant impact” on local traffic
No matter how you slice it, there is no denying that a major road repair project will significantly impact traffic in Biddeford and Saco.
City officials are asking motorists in the two cities to prepare for significant delays, plan accordingly and try to be as patient as possible during the construction project.
Facing increasing pressure from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the city of Biddeford needs to upgrade a section of its stormwater and sewer infrastructure on a section of Elm Street (Rte. One).
Biddeford City Engineer Craig Chekan presented a project overview
The project will begin in early April and will extend from the intersection of Hooper and Elm streets (near the ‘Black Bridge”) and will continue southbound on Elm Street, past Main Street to Center Street in Biddeford.
While southbound traffic from Saco into Biddeford will not face detours, northbound traffic from Biddeford into Saco will all be redirected onto Main Street for the duration of the project.
The project is expected to take seven months to fully complete, meaning summer tourism traffic will also be impacted.
While the city works to upgrade its sewer separation systems, Maine Water will also use the opportunity to upgrade its infrastructure with new 16-inch water pipes in the construction area.
The project is expected to cost Biddeford roughly $3 million. Maine Water is expected to spend $2 million on its upgrades in the area.
Brace for impact
Biddeford Public Works Director Jeff Demers said the city knows the project will leave people feeling frustrated as they attempt to navigate between the two cities.
“We have been doing as much advance work as possible,” Demers said. “We are working closely with our counterparts in Saco. We have been studying traffic patterns and we’ll be adjusting timing of the traffic lights in downtown.”
During an informal public meeting about the project, City Engineer Craig Chekan said the project has been “in development” for more than a year.
“We really can’t put this project off any longer,” Chekan said. “The DEP is breathing down our necks to get this [sewer/stormwater separation] done.”
As part of the project, existing gas lines in the area will be removed and reconfigured.
During the construction, Hooper Street residents will still be able to receive city services, such as trash and recycling collection. But area residents will likely be impacted by noise as crews work through bedrock in the area.
Hooper Street resident Shawn O’Keefe attended Thursday’s meeting. When asked his opinion, he shrugged his shoulders and smiled. “It is what it is,” he said.
Demers said the project will be conducted during daytime hours to increase efficiency and save a significant amount of money.
“If we tried to do this at night, the project costs would be tripled,” Demers said.
But wait, there’s more
As the city tackles the Elm Street project, public works crews will begin their construction repair project of a retaining wall near the Riverwalk area on lower Main Street in Biddeford.
The parking lot at the North Dam Mill on lower Main Street will be closed so that city crews can get equipment in and out of the area.
Demers said the city was able to secure federal funding for the repair project, but said the city needs to move forward because of concerns regarding federal funding for local and state projects.
Delilah Poupore of Heart of Biddeford and Angie Presby of Saco Main Street attended Thursday’s meeting.
Both Poupore and Presby acknowledged that the project will have a significant impact on downtown businesses and downtown events.
“We’ll just have to pivot,” Presby said.
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After nearly seven years at the helm, Jim LaBelle announced Thursday that he will be stepping down as executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry.
LaBelle, 60, said he plans to stay in place and help the Chamber with its transition to new leadership.
“It’s not an easy decision because I really enjoy what I am doing,” LaBelle said during a telephone interview. “I’m just at a point in my life where I want to take a step back and focus on my personal life and goals.”
Jim LaBelle/ Contributed photo
LaBelle said he is proud of his accomplishments at the Chamber, most notably a significant increase in membership, from the mid-300s to more than 460 members today.
“We have held more than 100 ribbon cuttings, and this community has experienced unprecedented economic growth,” LaBelle said. “I live in this community. I love this community, and I will be forever rooting for this community.”
LaBelle said he believes the Chamber needs to be continually evolving in order to better serve its members and the overall business community.
“The next leader will need to be visionary,” LaBelle said. “Hopefully someone a bit younger with fresh ideas to make sure that the Chamber remains relevant well into the future.”
LaBelle, known for his trademark optimism, admits that he has always been a glass-half-full person. “It’s easy to be optimistic in this community,” he said.
“He’s basically working all alone, and yet he’s always ready to dig in. Always looking for ways to help. It will not be easy to fill his shoes.”
— Mayor Marty Grohman
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman had nothing but praise for LaBelle and his performance as the Chamber’s executive director.
“Jim has been truly incredible,” Grohman said. “He makes it look easy, but he has done so many positive things for the community.”
A few years ago, Grohman served on the Chamber’s board of directors and today the mayor is an ex-officio member of the Chamber.
“From behind the scenes, I can tell you that Jim is one of those people. He’s the guy with the enthusiasm and the optimism. He’s basically working all alone, and yet he’s always ready to dig in. Always looking for ways to help. It will not be easy to fill his shoes.”
LaBelle said running the Chamber has not always been easy, pointing to the Covid pandemic. “You know, the Chamber is all about bringing people together, and we had to figure out how to do that without actually getting together in person,” he laughed.
LaBelle also looked for ways to capitalize on technology, and the use of social media to promote the community. During his tenure, a Chamber employee created what would become one of the area’s most prolific Facebook community groups. Today, the Biddeford+Saco Community page is no longer managed by the Chamber but has more than 18,000 members.
But for all of its benefits, social media proved to have its own pitfalls, continually requiring more time to moderate and manage the online forum.
For his part, LaBelle said he is looking forward to having some more down time. He’s not exactly sure what his future will look like, but says a change of pace will allow him the opportunity to take stock of where he is and where he wants to be.
“I have been really lucky so far,” he said. “Now, I’m just looking at the future as a blank page, but there is no doubt that I am going to miss the opportunity I had while working here.”
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Less than 48 hours later, we received a detailed and comprehensive reply from Brian Phinney, the acting city manager.
Below, you will find our list of questions along with the unedited answers from Phinney:
Question: According to your comments at Tuesday’s meeting, the city is nearly three years behind on its annual audit obligations, going back to FY 2023. How did we get so far behind?
Given that we have not gone through an audit, how can we possibly put together a budget of more than $40 million with any degree of confidence?
Why was this delay with conducting an audit not addressed sooner?
Can this situation adversely impact the city’s bond rating?
RESPONSE:
“The audit delay is not unique to Biddeford; many municipalities across Maine and beyond have reported delays in completing audits as far back as FY22. The Office of the State Auditor maintains a website of municipal annual audit reports at https://www.maine.gov/audit/municipal/annual-audit-reports.html. It is assumed that these municipalities faced similar challenges due to either a shortage of auditors and increasing complexity in financial reporting requirements or other factors. While I cannot speak to the specific details related to delays in completing audits for other municipalities, it is known that Biddeford’s financials records were not kept current for FY23 resulting in the need to contract with Berry Dunn for services. This has delayed completion of subsequent audits. For reference, Biddeford’s typical audit schedule for each fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30, usually begins in early July. The auditor will perform a pre-audit to perform a high level review of records in preparation for the audit. The audit is then typically started in late August and may run though December resulting in delivery of the audit between December and March. The actual dates vary based on availability of the auditor. As of today the City has two audits pending – FY23 and FY24. The FY25 Audit is not due to begin until July. While it’s not an ideal situation, we are on a tight timeline and fully committed to getting the audits completed as soon as possible.
The budget process is based on real-time financial data, revenue projections, and careful oversight from the City’s finance department, City Council, and professional staff. While an audit provides a third-party verification of financials, the absence of a completed audit does not mean we lack reliable financial information. Our team has continuously monitored revenues, expenditures, and fund balances to ensure fiscal responsibility. Additionally, our budgeting practices have been consistent with prior years, and we have not faced any operational issues as a result of the delay.
The City has been working on this issue for some time, and we have been in constant communication with our auditors. That said, we recognize the importance of getting the audits back on track, and we are exploring all possible avenues—including potentially engaging additional resources—to complete them as soon as possible.
The delay in audits is something we take seriously, and we are aware that financial reporting is a key factor in maintaining a strong bond rating. However, credit rating agencies look at a variety of factors beyond just audit timelines, including our overall financial health, debt management, and economic growth. To date, we have continued to meet our financial obligations, and there has been no indication of an imminent impact on our bond rating. That said, we are prioritizing the completion of the audits to ensure we maintain our strong financial standing.”
Our team has continuously monitored revenues, expenditures, and fund balances to ensure fiscal responsibility.
— Brian Phinney
QUESTION: You also told the city council that the city may have “a considerable exposure” of $790,000 in penalties from the IRS. You said you are “negotiating with the IRS” but the city (combined with school department) could still face a $233,000 liability. Can you provide specific details about how this happened?
RESPONSE: “The issue stems from payroll tax reporting errors that occurred several years ago. These were administrative oversights, and the City is now taking steps to address them. We have been working closely with the IRS to resolve the matter, and our goal is to minimize any financial impact on the City and taxpayers.
The initial penalty amount was $790,000. Absent report data the IRS calculated the penalty based on the total number of W-2 forms prepared rather than the actual number of 1095-C statements issued. Through proactive engagement and a detailed assessment of issue we have calculated a significant reduction in the potential liability. At this stage, the potential remaining exposure is approximately $233,000, though we are continuing our efforts to reduce or eliminate that amount entirely.
It’s important to note that while this is a serious issue, the City has taken corrective action to help ensure this does not happen again. We have additional oversight measures in our payroll and reporting processes and may consider using an outside payroll processing firm. Such a firm would be obligated to meet these IRS reporting requirements, thereby reducing or eliminating this concern going forward.”
QUESTION:HUD funding for Lead abatement: You told the council that the city may be facing a $350,000 penalty for our failure to properly “close out” the 2019 grant. What does this mean, and how did it happen?
RESPONSE:
“The issue with the 2019 HUD lead abatement grant stems from administrative requirements related to the formal “closeout” process of the grant. When a federal grant is awarded, there are specific reporting and documentation steps that must be completed to demonstrate that funds were used appropriately and that the project met all compliance standards. In this case, some of those final reporting requirements were not completed in a timely manner, leading to the possibility of the grant being rescinded.
The City has been in active discussions with HUD to resolve this issue, and we are working to provide the necessary documentation to properly close out the grant. We are optimistic this can happen.
There is no penalty, but rather, as a reimbursement grant the funds that had been expended would not be reimbursed.
It’s important to emphasize that this issue does not mean funds were misused—rather, it’s a matter of ensuring all federal reporting obligations are met. Moving forward, we are strengthening our grant management processes to prevent similar issues and ensure full compliance with federal requirements.”
QUESTION: Last year, the council approved a measure to spend up to $300,000 for an investigation and report concerning irregularities in the finance department. You said you anticipate that report later this month. How much did we end up paying for those services, which are above and beyond the annual audit, which is typically performed by Runyon, Kersteen & Ouellette?
RESPONSE:
“It’s important to clarify that BerryDunn is not conducting an investigation or preparing a report. Rather, they have been providing professional accounting services to help the City catch up on prior years’ financials. This includes tasks such as preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, and other essential accounting cleanup work needed to get us ready for the audit.
“The Council authorized up to $300,000 for these services, and we are tracking expenses carefully to ensure we use only what is necessary. While this work is separate from the annual audit conducted by Runyon, Kersten & Ouellette, it is an essential step to ensure our financial records are in order and to facilitate the audit process. We will provide a final cost breakdown once all work is completed.
“We anticipate continuing to use BerryDunn’s services as needed until all outstanding financial issues are fully resolved. Their expertise has been critical in helping us catch up on prior years’ accounting work and prepare for the audit. Given the complexity of the work involved, we expect their support will be necessary on an ongoing basis to ensure all financial records are fully reconciled and that we remain on track moving forward, and we will need to approach the Council for additional funding for their work. We will continue to monitor costs and provide updates as this work progresses.”
QUESTION: You told the council “you all know the conditions of our books.” Can you please elaborate and provide some details about that statement?
RESPONSE:
“When I said, “you all know the conditions of our books,” I was referring to the well-documented challenges we’ve been working through in our finance department. The delays in our audits, the need for accounting cleanup work, and the backlog of reconciliations are all issues that the Council has been regularly briefed on. These challenges are precisely why we brought in BerryDunn, a highly regarded and award-winning accounting firm, to assist with financial reconciliation and why we are working diligently to bring our records fully up to date.
“It’s important to note that while there have been delays and areas that need improvement, the City is now taking every necessary step to ensure financial accuracy and transparency. Indeed, with the new Finance Director’s leadership backed up by additional outside expertise, we are making steady progress toward getting everything back on track.
QUESTION: You indicated that there are now two vacancies in the city’s finance department, saying “there’s no capacity down there, but also praised the new Finance Director for her professionalism and accomplishments in just the last few weeks.
You said that you had an applicant interested in one of the vacancies but they decided not to accept the city’s offer. Can you shed any light on why the applicant declined the offer?
RESPONSE:
“Yes, there are currently two vacancies in the finance department, which does present challenges. However, our new Finance Director has already made significant progress in just a few weeks, bringing a high level of professionalism, expertise, and fresh energy to the team. She is actively working to stabilize operations, improve internal controls, and move the City’s financial processes forward. In these roles, the level of public scrutiny can sometimes feel unfair to those simply trying to do their jobs. This is something we have to acknowledge when recruiting, as it can be a deterrent for potential hires.
We recognize that staffing shortages have added to the workload, but we are committed to filling these positions with highly qualified candidates who will contribute to the long-term strength of the department. As noted above, we may also engage outside services, such as for payroll processing, to provide additional support. Also, based on a decision of the Council, we will soon be transitioning sewer billing to Maine Water. Many surrounding municipalities (including Saco) handle sewer billing this way, which reduces errors and improves efficiency, since the sewer bill is based on the water bill, and Maine Water already does the water billing.
Despite these financial reporting challenges, the City remains on solid financial footing. We have a significant fund balance, skilled management, and improved oversight in place to ensure responsible fiscal stewardship. While we acknowledge the need to catch up on financial reporting and complete past audits, these issues do not reflect a financial crisis—rather, they are administrative hurdles that we are actively addressing. With a strong Finance Director in place, additional professional support from BerryDunn, and a commitment to transparency and best practices, we are making steady progress. The City continues to meet its financial obligations, provide essential services, and invest in our community’s future with confidence.
______
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During the March 4 Biddeford City Council meeting, acting city manager Brian Phinney provided the council with some concerning and significant updates regarding the finance department.
According to Phinney’s regular report to the council, the city could be facing:
Potential penalties of $790,000 from the Internal Revenue Service;
Penalties of roughly $350,000 from the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding a 2019 grant for lead abatement.
According to Phinney, the city is also nearly three years behind on its regular audits. He said the FY 2023 audit should be completed this month.
Last year, the city council authorized spending up to $300,000 for an independent, forensic analysis of problems in the finance department. That report, Phinney said, is expected later this month.
Phinney praised the work of Gerry Matherne who was hired just a few weeks ago as the city’s finance director. “She is doing a fantastic job,” he said. “But we don’t have capacity down there.”
Phinney alluded to financial complications by telling the council: “You all know the conditions of the books.”
The city has gone through six finance directors in the last five years.
Below is the text of an email we sent to Brian Phinney today, seeking answers and clarifications regarding these issues. We have shared these questions with every media outlet that covers City Hall.
********
Dear Mr. Phinney,
I recently watched the Biddeford City Council’s March 4, 2025 meeting, and I have a few questions regarding your update as acting city manager to the council.
I know this is an extremely busy time for you and city managers all across the country as you begin putting together the FY 2026 budget.
Further complicating matters are two vacancies in the Finance Department and a rather abrupt transition in leadership.
Considering all that, I thought (and Mayor Grohman agreed) that it may be helpful to put my questions regarding your recent report in writing.
Make no mistake, if you would prefer, I am more than happy to meet face-to-face and anticipate the interview would take less than 15 minutes.
Here are my questions:
Three-year delay on audit: According to your comments at Tuesday’s meeting, the city is nearly three years behind on its annual audit obligations, going back to FY 2023. How did we get so far behind?
Given that we have not gone through an audit, how can we possibly put together a budget of more than $40 million with any degree of confidence?
Why was this delay with conducting an audit not addressed sooner?
Can this situation adversely impact the city’s bond rating?
IRS Exposure: You also told the city council that the city may have “a considerable exposure” of $790,000 in penalties from the IRS. You said you are “negotiating with the IRS” but the city (combined with school department) could still face a $233,000 liability. Can you provide specific details about how this happened?
HUD funding for Lead abatement: You told the council that the city may be facing a $350,000 penalty for our failure to properly “close out” the 2019 grant. What does this mean, and how did it happen?
BerryDunn report: Last year, the council approved a measure to spend up to $300,000 for an investigation and report concerning irregularities in the finance department. You said you anticipate that report later this month. How much did we end up paying for those services, which are above and beyond the annual audit, which is typically performed by Runyon, Kersteen & Ouellette?
Misc. You told the council “you all know the conditions of our books.” Can you please elaborate and provide some details about that statement?
You indicated that there are now two vacancies in the city’s finance department, saying “there’s no capacity down there, but also praised the new Finance Director for her professionalism and accomplishments in just the last few weeks.
You said that you had an applicant interested in one of the vacancies but they decided not to accept the city’s offer. Can you shed any light on why the applicant declined the offer?
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The city of Biddeford has denied the Biddeford Gazette’s request to release an internal email regarding the abrupt departure of former City Manager James Bennett on Feb. 20.
The Gazette subsequently learned that another internal email was shared among individual members of the Biddeford City Council regarding Bennett’s sudden departure. Under both the federal and state public access laws, the Biddeford Gazette asked for a copy of that second email.
Former City Manager James Bennett
Today, City Attorney Harry Center sent an email, denying the Gazette’s request based on state law that prohibits the city from public disclosure of personnel records. A copy of Center’s letter can be found below:
For the first time since Bennett left office, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman released a public statement about the issue:
Grohman’s unedited remarks:
“As of February 20, 2025, City Manager James Bennett is on Paid Administrative Leave. This is a personnel matter and pursuant to state statute, Title 30A MRS Section 2702, personnel matters are designated as confidential.
At its March 4 meeting, the City Council passed an Order appointing Chief Operating Officer Brian Phinney as Acting City Manager. With over 20 years of leadership experience in Biddeford, Mr. Phinney is well-prepared to oversee city operations. Additionally, our Department Heads are strong, capable leaders who will ensure that city services continue to run smoothly.
The City and its elected officials are unable to comment further on City Manager Bennett’s leave as it is a personnel matter. However, I want to reassure our residents that the city remains in good hands, and we remain committed to delivering high-quality services and advancing key projects and priorities.
The City Council and I appreciate the community’s engagement and will continue to provide updates as appropriate.”
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 