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Commission backs short-term Main Street staffing help while reviewing longer funding options
Summary
Commissioners discussed a proposal to fund a part-time position so Sanford Main Street can operate the information center while the executive director focuses on program development; the commission signaled support for a six-month trial and several commissioners committed personal or district funds toward the shortfall.
Sanford Main Street asked the City Commission on June 9 for temporary funding to hire a part-time person to operate the city’s information/welcome center so the Main Street executive director can focus on programming and fundraising.
Dan (Sanford Main Street executive) told the commission the welcome center operates 47 hours a week and that Main Street’s current revenue base is concentrated in the city’s contract that covers much of the position cost; he proposed adding a part-time hire paid roughly $15 per hour to free the director for outreach and to expand events such as the new Sanford Sizzling Summer series. Dan said an expanded part-time position funded at current labor-cost multipliers would total about $39,500 annually; the executive asked the commission for short-term support through the calendar year so Main Street can build earned and private support for a longer-term plan.
Commissioners discussed funding options. Several members favored a six-month trial through the end of the calendar year so the group can demonstrate increased program activity and measurable business outreach. Commissioner Burton and at least one other commissioner offered to contribute some commission discretionary funds toward the short-term effort; staff said additional funding sources could include CRA/TIF or the general fund subject to budget review. Commissioners emphasized they want performance benchmarks and a follow-up conversation during the city’s fall/budget process to determine ongoing funding.
The commission did not adopt a multi-year funding commitment at the work session; it signaled support for a limited-term funding approach and asked staff and Main Street to return with bench‑marks and a budget plan to present to the commission in November or during the FY2026 budget process.
