Disclaimer: The views I express here are my own and should NOT be construed as speaking for the City of Bangor or the City Council of Bangor.
City Council Workshop
You can read the meeting agenda here.
Municipal Budget Review
The primary focus was the municipal budget. City Manager Debbie Laurie presented an updated overview.
- Tax Rate: The estimated tax rate is now $17.75, a decrease from the current $18.55 per thousand.
- Impact on Homeowners: This revised rate translates to an average potential increase of $159 per year, or 3.9%, for residential homeowners. This is a significant reduction from the initial budget projection in April, which estimated a $319 average impact or a 7.8% increase. The reduction was attributed to revised market data and budget revisions based on council feedback.
- School Department Reduction: A requested reduction for the school department has been reflected in the current budget figures. The council had previously passed a motion to reduce the school’s appropriation by $165,000.
- Budget Process: The City Manager clarified that the first reading of the budget is always her proposed budget from April. Amendments reflecting the current figures will be made via motions at the second meeting in June.
- Library Greeters: A significant discussion occurred regarding funding for library greeters.
- The council had aimed for no new programs or positions. Another Councilor had raised the question about part-time library greeters were considered a new program.
- The cost for the greeters is $53,200. The library’s overall budget increased by approximately $138,000.
- These positions were already established and were previously funded by ARPA dollars. As the Library deemed them to be mission critical, they rolled the position into their regular budget once the ARPA funding was expended for these positions.
- The greeters (four part-time positions) are primarily for responding to conduct issues and providing a visible presence. Their retention was supported, with one councilor noting their positive impact on library patrons’ comfort levels. Approving the budget as is would maintain the current number of greeters, shifting their funding source.
- A separate social worker position at the library, also ARPA-funded, has one more year of funding. The library hopes to propose folding this position into the city budget next year.
- No motions were made. This means the Library will not have its budget cut.
- Downtown Development Position: Clarification was provided that the city’s contribution ($43,000) for a downtown development position comes from the downtown TIF, and this amount has not increased. The Downtown Development District’s separate budget covered the remainder for the full-time role. No motions were made to change the budget as presented in the workshop.
City Manager Updates
- Job Corps: The Federal Department of Labor has decided to halt enrollment at Loring and Penobscot Job Corps. This impacts Bangor with a loss of 130 jobs and affects 250 students. The council agreed to submit a letter supporting the continuation of the Job Corps locations, especially the one in Bangor. Many students reportedly stay in the Bangor area after their studies.
- 287g Agreements: The council still intends to have a public discussion about 287g agreements but is awaiting the outcome of State Representative Rana’s bill (LD 1258) concerning this topic, which has reportedly received a positive response in Augusta. The council may align city policy with the state law once it’s determined.
- Downtown Parking Alerts: Procedures have been clarified to ensure parking alerts are sent out when towing is a potential consequence of parking restrictions, addressing concerns about “text fatigue”.
- Policy on Public Spaces:
- Individuals will not be allowed to set up camp in public parks, which close at night. Those found camping in parks will be asked to leave immediately.
- For other city-owned property, individuals will receive 24-hour notice to vacate, along with offers of resources and alternatives, continuing past practice. Department heads will have flexibility in extenuating circumstances.
- Shopping Carts: Concerns were raised by downtown business owners and residents about shopping carts being left in public areas, particularly Pierce Park. Staff will monitor this.
- Public Restrooms:
- Wabanaki Public Health is regularly checking public restrooms for syringe waste.
- A recent check by another Councilor of the Harlow Street restroom found needle caps (but no needles), some trash, and a dented door, but it had toilet paper.
- The portable restrooms (currently 4 in use out of 6 owned) have been deployed for about nine months. An update on their effectiveness, maintenance costs (estimated at $27,000 per unit annually ), and servicing will be provided to the relevant committee.
The workshop concluded with the City Manager noting it was approximately her 240th council meeting. Her last day is Friday before retirement.
Regular City Council Meeting
You can read the meeting agenda here.
Here are what I saw as the highlights of the meeting:
Creating a “One Stop Shop” for Health Services
Bangor Public Health has permission to apply for a $70,000 grant for a “one stop shop” for health needs for people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder. The City Manager also received permission to execute a memorandum of understanding/agreement with Wabanaki Public Health to collaborate on this “one stop shop”, pending Bangor Public Health establishing the necessary funding for it.
Naming the Interim City Manager
Assistant City Manager Courtney O’Donnell was named interim City Manager for the 2 week period between Debbie Laurie’s retirement and new City Manager Lear’s arrival. This ensures day-to-day operations will continue as usual in Bangor.
Now Accepting Donations for the 4th of July Fireworks
City Council authorized appointed committee, board, and commission members, as well as city staff, to solicit donations for the annual 4th of July fireworks display. Previously handled by the Bangor Kiwanis Club, they indicated they no longer had the capacity to fundraise for this. During budget discussions City Council approved up to $12,500 starting with the 2026 fireworks display, but with the expectation that the city would work to offset that cost with donations.
This authorization had to be given by City Council as Bangor’s Code of Ethics bars solicitation of donations without expressed permission from City Council.
Another Year of StreetPlus Downtown
City Council appropriated the Special Assessment Funds for fiscal year 2026. Funding for StreetPlus was included as part of that assessment. (Also known as Downtown Ambassadors.)
I’ve heard from a number of people about StreetPlus, mostly positive. The only negative comments I’ve heard are generally along the lines of “I haven’t seen them.” Based on the statistics previously shared in January, they are definitely out there doing work and having an impact.
The majority of the comments are positive and remark about their quick response time when called by a business, how friendly they are, and that it appears they are making a difference Downtown.
Disruptive Property Ordinance Amended
Executive Summary: This Ordinance revision would update the definition of “disruptive activities” in the
City’s Disruptive Property Ordinance and expand its applicability to (1) properties that are not residential, and
(2) properties that do not have buildings on them.
City officials have been fielding requests for help made by neighbors who live near nuisance and disruptive
properties, and the proposed revisions would provide additional protection of citizens’ legitimate interests in
peacefully enjoying their property.
The definition of “disruptive activities” would expand to include incidents where the police have been
contacted and respond to a complaint(s) and visit a property, and the visit results in the arrest of an individual
on the property for activities that constitute a crime or civil infraction. The definition would also expand to
include intoxication on public ways within 300 feet of a property that unreasonably disturbs the community
caused by situations originating on the property.
This item was reviewed by the Government Operations Committee on May 5, 2025.
Changes for the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights
The ordinance was amended to allow members to be removed for cause because of absences. The amount of meetings that lack a quorum has been a major concern over the past year. Now there’s a policy in place that members who frequently don’t show up can be removed. It also added a non-voting position for a member of City Council.
Failed: On-Street Parking During Winter
The City Council voted against a proposed ordinance that would have permitted on-street parking during the winter months. The motion failed to pass.
Talbot Gets a Trail
Gerald E. Talbot is a Civil Rights icon who grew up right here in Bangor. Elected as the first African-American member of the Maine State Legislature, he was previously honored with the renaming of Second Street Park to Talbot Park. However, the city subsequently gave away a significant portion of that park to the YMCA. In order to secure the family’s blessing they promised to rename something else in his honor. The City will name a portion of trail that connects Sylvan Road to Stillwater Avenue. This is also the first naming that was reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights under the new naming policy adopted by City Council earlier this year.
Special Assessment Fee Increase
Note: There was a Public Hearing held for this item, but no one attended.
From the Executive Summary: “The Downtown Bangor Partnership has requested a $.07 increase, increasing their revenue by $26,556. If approved, the assessment rate will be $0.70 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation for the Bangor Center Development District and $0.02 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation for the overlay.”
What the Special Assessment means to Downtown Businesses:
Enhanced Downtown Services: A significant portion of the Downtown Bangor Partnership’s (DBP) budget is supported by Downtown TIF funds, including $230,000 specifically for services from StreetPlus. While the assessment increase doesn’t directly pay for StreetPlus, it contributes to the overall financial health and operational capacity of the DBP, which secures and manages these services. StreetPlus services typically focus on creating a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming downtown environment, which can directly benefit businesses by attracting more customers.
Support for DBP Operations: The DBP’s budget also includes $43,746 from TIF funds for administrative support. The increased assessment helps ensure the DBP has the resources to manage its programs effectively, including coordinating events, marketing, and other initiatives that support downtown businesses.
Increased Marketing and Events: The DBP anticipates $61,750 from sponsorships, events, and marketing. The additional $265,566 in revenue from the assessment increase can bolster the DBP’s ability to fund and expand these activities. More robust marketing and well-attended events can lead to increased foot traffic and sales for businesses in the district.
Leveraged Investment: The special assessment is part of a larger funding strategy. The approximately $265,566 raised through assessments helps the DBP manage a total proposed budget of $601,062. This means that business owners’ contributions are leveraged with other significant funding sources (like the $273,746 from TIF funds and $61,750 from sponsorships/events) to provide a broader range of services and initiatives than assessment fees alone could cover.
Collective Benefit: The special assessment is an investment in the collective success of the downtown area. The funds are used for programs and services that benefit all businesses within the Bangor Center Development District by improving the overall appeal and vitality of downtown, which individual businesses might not be able to achieve on their own.
Opioid Settlement Funds: Appointed Committee Members
The final item on the agenda was the official vote on the nominees for the Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee. The City Council completed the vote, officially appointing the members to the committee. The commitment of the individuals who volunteered to serve on this committee was acknowledged.
This Was City Manager Debbie Laurie’s Last City Council Meeting
That evening was also the last City Council meeting for Debbie Laurie as City Manager. She is retiring after over three decades of service to the city of Bangor. Her last day is on Friday. Each of the Council members in attendance had a congratulatory statement of appreciation for the City Manager. The City Manager also shared a statement of gratitude at the end of the meeting. I encourage you to watch it.
