By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Brian Phinney -- Biddeford’s former chief operating officer, who also served several months as acting city manager – is today retired “and enjoying it,” but wants to make sure that the current city council will be using correct information at their next meeting, especially regarding materials that contain his signature Phinney, … Continue reading Although retired, Phinney wants accuracy regarding overdue Biddeford audit
Tag: Brian Phinney
Lessard: ‘I am not so ready to hold hands and sing Kumbaya’
Finance Committee takes a closer look at how a downtown parking plan was funded By RANDY SEAVER, Editor A controversial and temporary downtown parking program will be reviewed by the Biddeford City Council at its next meeting, Feb. 3. As first reported in the Biddeford Gazette earlier this week, Mayor Liam LaFountain and members of the city … Continue reading Lessard: ‘I am not so ready to hold hands and sing Kumbaya’
Biddeford voters could face $47 million bond package
Biddeford voters could be asked to approve more than $47 million in municipal bonds to support ongoing sewer separation work and improvements to the city’s parks and recreational facilities. During their July 15 meeting, city councilors discussed the prospect of an overall spending package intended to address items that would be much more costly if … Continue reading Biddeford voters could face $47 million bond package
Breaking News: Gervais leaving Biddeford
Following a two-year period of tumultuous staffing turnovers at Biddeford City Hall, another department head has announced his resignation. The Biddeford Gazette was able to confirm today that George Gervais-- the city's director of economic and community development -- has resigned his position, a little less than 18 months after he was hired by the … Continue reading Breaking News: Gervais leaving Biddeford
Biddeford hires new city manager
Following a nationwide search, the Biddeford City Council is expected next week to confirm the hiring of Truc Dever as the city’s next professional manager. Dever currently serves as the public works director for the city of Kirkland, Wash., a city with a population of roughly 93,000 people located about eight miles east of Seattle. … Continue reading Biddeford hires new city manager
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’
City responds to questions about financial problems
On Saturday, the Biddeford Gazette sent a list of questions to Biddeford's acting city manager regarding concerns about financial problems the city is facing. 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 … Continue reading City responds to questions about financial problems
Biddeford is facing ‘significant’ financial difficulties
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 … Continue reading Biddeford is facing ‘significant’ financial difficulties
Biddeford City Hall Secrecy: FOIA request sent
Earlier today, the Biddeford Gazette learned that an email regarding the abrupt departure of former City Manager James Bennett was sent from one member of the Biddeford City Council to Mayor Marty Grohman and every other member of the council. According to our sources, the email was sent at 7:05 a.m. today (Feb. 27, 2025). … Continue reading Biddeford City Hall Secrecy: FOIA request sent
BREAKING NEWS | City Manager will not return
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor According to multiple sources, embattled Biddeford City Manager James Bennett will not be returning to work after his brief vacation this week. Employees report receiving an email Thursday from Brian Phinney, the city's chief operating officer, that Bennett will not be returning to his post to finish out the remainder of … Continue reading BREAKING NEWS | City Manager will not return
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