Governor Mills awards $180K for Saco and Old Orchard Beach resilience projects

The Saco City Council meeting held on May 5, 2025, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing community resilience and public safety. One of the most significant announcements came from the city administrator, who reported that Saco, in partnership with Old Orchard Beach, has been awarded a $180,000 grant from Governor Mills for a Community Resilience Partnership. This funding is expected to bolster coastal resilience efforts in the region.

In addition to the grant announcement, the council welcomed Matthew Duras as the new Deputy Chief of Training and Prevention for the Saco Fire Department, effective June 2, 2025. The city administrator expressed enthusiasm about Duras's extensive experience and the positive direction of fire staffing in Saco.

Councilor Berman proposed the creation of a designated fund to support active transit and pedestrian safety initiatives. He emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure such as sidewalks and bike paths, as well as enhancing safety at intersections. Berman noted that there is a surplus in the city’s budget this year, which could be allocated to this fund to incentivize projects and serve as matching funds for grants.

Further discussions included the potential establishment of a committed fund balance, which would allow the city council greater control over how surplus funds are spent. This approach would enable the council to allocate money specifically for projects that address community needs without increasing the overall budget.

Councilor Johnston echoed support for the proposed fund and mentioned his own amendments to be submitted to the city administrator. He also raised concerns about past communication issues regarding the city's response to families in need, indicating a desire for improved transparency moving forward.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to enhancing community infrastructure and safety while ensuring effective use of municipal funds. The next steps will involve further discussions on the proposed amendments and the implementation of the new initiatives.