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Our Priorities
SPEND WISELY, REDUCE TAXATION
This year, for the first time in many years, Saco’s mill rate dropped. While four cents is not a windfall, it is a step in the right direction. Many factors contributed to this reduction: most notably a last-minute State increase to education; Council mandating a 5% reduction in city wide spending; property valuation and vehicle excise revenues went up more than expectations.
For years Saco “paid as you go” on community projects. While keeping debt low, these vary the mill rate year after year, up and down, with the size of the projects. Saco has some of the lowest bonded debt statewide, almost zero by 2020; we can fund many upcoming city projects with new bonds leveling costs over 10-15 years and minimize increases to the mill rate. Bonding is a smart growth strategy and should be used effectively. We under-utilize this tool in our financial toolbox.
This year, for the first time in many years, Saco’s mill rate dropped. While four cents is not a windfall, it is a step in the right direction. Many factors contributed to this reduction: most notably a last-minute State increase to education; Council mandating a 5% reduction in city wide spending; property valuation and vehicle excise revenues went up more than expectations.
For years Saco “paid as you go” on community projects. While keeping debt low, these vary the mill rate year after year, up and down, with the size of the projects. Saco has some of the lowest bonded debt statewide, almost zero by 2020; we can fund many upcoming city projects with new bonds leveling costs over 10-15 years and minimize increases to the mill rate. Bonding is a smart growth strategy and should be used effectively. We under-utilize this tool in our financial toolbox.
SMART GROWTH
Smart growth requires a foundational strategy to make it happen, it does not happen overnight. I advocated the creation of: a Comprehensive Plan Committee – updating our City’s Growth Plan with initiatives from Bridge 2025; the Ad-Hoc School Consolidation Committee – moving the admin office functions under the roof of City Hall.
I have been a staunch supporter of Age Friendly Saco, the Ecology School, Stackpole Bridge, Thornton Academy, U-Haul, Notre Dame church, updating Flood Mapping, as well as numerous Ordinances, Contract Zones, and Development Districts.
Smart growth requires a foundational strategy to make it happen, it does not happen overnight. I advocated the creation of: a Comprehensive Plan Committee – updating our City’s Growth Plan with initiatives from Bridge 2025; the Ad-Hoc School Consolidation Committee – moving the admin office functions under the roof of City Hall.
I have been a staunch supporter of Age Friendly Saco, the Ecology School, Stackpole Bridge, Thornton Academy, U-Haul, Notre Dame church, updating Flood Mapping, as well as numerous Ordinances, Contract Zones, and Development Districts.
Education
Since moving to Saco in 2003, our schools have been: School Union 7; Regional School Unit 23, and now are municipal school department. I have, with the limited authority Council retains in our Charter, held higher expectations for curbing administrative spending and shifting dollars to the classrooms. Major business office “errors” have cost taxpayers over a million dollars the last few years. The errors must stop short-cutting classrooms.
Since moving to Saco in 2003, our schools have been: School Union 7; Regional School Unit 23, and now are municipal school department. I have, with the limited authority Council retains in our Charter, held higher expectations for curbing administrative spending and shifting dollars to the classrooms. Major business office “errors” have cost taxpayers over a million dollars the last few years. The errors must stop short-cutting classrooms.
In an effort to reduce costs of a new Young School, I insisted the school department apply for state funds – to be announced in Feb. 2018, an estimated $20 million savings should be realized by not 100% self-funding. For the long term, Saco should strongly consider a consolidated PK-5 school - a modern, healthy, and unified facility. Continuing to upgrade our 45, & 90-year old buildings does not make financial sense. Great school design can provide all the benefits of a small school in a larger setting. All of our children deserve a state of the art classroom to maximize their potential.
The Ad-Hoc committee is tasked with eliminating the Beach Street office building and consolidating staff in existing City Hall and School spaces. Reducing building costs and integrating municipal school staff into their parallel city departments.
The Ad-Hoc committee is tasked with eliminating the Beach Street office building and consolidating staff in existing City Hall and School spaces. Reducing building costs and integrating municipal school staff into their parallel city departments.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
Other issues I have instituted, promoted, or just encouraged:
Communications - audio and video upgrades for City Hall Council Chambers and adding Public Access and Government channels in addition to TATV; website and social media revisions to improve citizen access to resources;
Leadership – appointed to the Transit Committee (ShuttleBus) and Cable TV committee. Also participated in CK Burns Principal selection process.
Process – Saco has not substantially hit the “refresh” button in many years. As such, many of our ordinances, policies, and even our City Charter, do not reflect current best practices or even gender neutrality. I am working with the City Administrator updating these documents. In addition, to crafting several new policies including: developer financial disclosure; medical and recreational marijuana (in-process); plastic bags and Styrofoam pollution reduction, and more.
Other issues I have instituted, promoted, or just encouraged:
Communications - audio and video upgrades for City Hall Council Chambers and adding Public Access and Government channels in addition to TATV; website and social media revisions to improve citizen access to resources;
Leadership – appointed to the Transit Committee (ShuttleBus) and Cable TV committee. Also participated in CK Burns Principal selection process.
Process – Saco has not substantially hit the “refresh” button in many years. As such, many of our ordinances, policies, and even our City Charter, do not reflect current best practices or even gender neutrality. I am working with the City Administrator updating these documents. In addition, to crafting several new policies including: developer financial disclosure; medical and recreational marijuana (in-process); plastic bags and Styrofoam pollution reduction, and more.
