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Saco Council opens public hearings on FY2026 municipal, school and capital budgets; schedules vote for May 12
Summary
The Saco City Council opened public hearings on the fiscal year 2026 municipal budget, the school budget and the five-year capital program, heard public comments from library and parks advocates, and set final votes for May 12, 2025.
The Saco City Council opened public hearings Monday on the fiscal year 2026 municipal budget, the fiscal year 2026 school budget and the FY2026 five‑year capital program and set the final votes for May 12, 2025.
Councilors moved to open the public hearings after the city administrator presented recommended budgets and departments answered council questions. The hearings drew several public comments in support of local institutions, including the Dyer Library and Saco Museum and a parks advisory board endorsement for the proposed Pepper Park redevelopment.
The public hearing on the municipal and school budgets was opened by Councilor Gunn and seconded by Councilor Hatch; the roll call vote to open passed 7‑0. The public hearing was closed and the council ordered that the vote on adoption be set for May 12, 2025; that motion was moved by Councilor Gunn, seconded by Councilor Johnston and passed 7‑0.
Separately, Councilor Johnston moved to open the public hearing on the five‑year capital program. After no members of the public spoke to that item, the council closed the capital‑program hearing and set the vote on adoption for May 12, 2025; the motion to close also passed 7‑0.
Why it matters: the scheduled May 12 votes will decide property‑tax impacts, capital spending priorities and school district authorizations for FY2026. Public commenters used the hearings to press the council for continued support of community institutions and parks projects.
Background and details: city staff presented the recommended municipal budget on March 24. The council held department review sessions in April and sought clarification this evening on items including school finance, capital allowances and fee schedules. During the school‑budget discussion, Superintendent Ray described use of fund balance to offset higher than expected health‑insurance costs and other one‑time adjustments the school committee had prepared; those details remain part of the school budget materials that the council will consider at the May 12 vote.
Next steps: the council will reconvene May 12 to vote on adoption of the municipal budget, the school budget and the capital program. No adoption votes were taken at the May 5 meeting.
