Budget Season
The Five Phases of the Budget Process
It is budget season here in Saco. Our budget process can be divided into five phases. Read on to learn more about these five phases.

Phase 1: Council Directive
The City Council is asked what they would like to see for the budget in the new fiscal year. To facilitate this discussion, the City Administrator and Finance Director work together to create different scenarios for the Council to consider. At this meeting, the Council also gets a preview of the school budget and is invited to ask questions or provide feedback.

Phase 2: Budget Development
Following the Council Directive, the City Administrator and Finance Director work with each department to develop departmental budgets that fits within the directive. Requests that do not fit in the directive are submitted to the City Administrator for consideration. These are called Requests Above Directive (RADs). The City Administrator uses their judgement to determine which RADs will be approved as part of the recommended budget.

Phase 3: Budget Recommendation
At the second City Council Meeting in March, Saco’s City Administrator, Finance Director, School Superintendent, and School Finance Director, will come together to formally present the recommended budgets for the new fiscal year.

On March 25, 2019, you can watch this meeting live on Channel 1301 or www.Facebook.com/SacoMaine .

Phase 4: Deliberation and Public Participation
During April, department directors present their budgets to the City Council. For some departments, it is the only chance all year to update the public on major accomplishments and challenges. There is a public comment period at the start of every budget workshop.

A formal public hearing on the entire budget is scheduled for April 29th, 2019.
Visit www.sacomaine.org/Budget to see the full schedule.

Phase 5: Budget Approval and Adoption
On May 13th, 2019, the City Council will vote to formally approve the new fiscal year budget. The final approval includes approval of the School Budget, Capital Program, and Departmental Budgets.
News & Updates
Featured Department: Parks and Recreation
Letter from the Director of Parks and Recreation

The Saco Parks and Recreation Department has worked extremely hard to continue our mission, creating and providing active and passive recreational opportunities to promote social, cultural and physical well-being and improve the quality of life for all present and future Saco residents and its visitors. We strive to provide safe well-maintained parks, facilities, beaches and a healthy Urban Forest in addition to professional high-quality programs and services that respond to changing needs within our community.
Summer Camp Registration
K-8 th Grade Summer Camp Registration: Open April 1st through June 14th, 2019!
This summer, our K-8 camps will run from June 24th-August 23rd. 

Here is our Summer Camp 2019 enrollment process:
  • Provide a completed Universal Participant Contact Form (must be typed).
  •  NEW! Returning Summer Campers from the 2018 season can request a rollover of your current form. See online for details.
  • Bring in completed form, membership fee, and first payment to the SPR office.

Click the link for our Summer Camp 2019 News page for full details on summer programs and registration.
Twin City Theater Academy
The Twin City Theater Academy is back for its FIFTH summer season and is looking forward to another collaboration between the Saco and Biddeford Recreation Departments and the Biddeford School Department. Once again, we are combining forces to bring you summer theater academies in a state-of-the-art auditorium in the Performing Arts Center at Biddeford Middle School! Registration will open April 1 st with information online at www.sacorec.com for shows including:
  • Broadway Bound: 100 Years of Song and Dance – June 24-28, 2019
  • Disney’s Mary Poppins, Jr. – July 8-19, 2019
  • Guys and Dolls, Jr. – July 22-26, 2019
  • Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. – July 29-August 9, 2019
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – August 12-16, 2019
  • Broadway Bound: On Tour! – August 19-23, 2019
  • New! Technical Theater Camp available for each show week offered at Biddeford Middle School
Spring Youth Sports
  • Intro to Indoor Youth Volleyball: Divisions for grades 3-5 and grades 6-8Click here for complete information and registration. April 12th-May 3rd.
  • Spring Outdoor Coed Soccer: Divisions for K-2 and grades 3-6. Click here for complete information and registration. May 6th-June 10th
  • Saco Stars Cheering Spring Clinics: running end of April through end of May 2019 with sessions for Tumbling and Stunting. Stay tuned for more info and registration at www.sacorec.com!
  • T-ball: Instructional Baseball/Softball Registration is open through April 5th for our spring T-ball program! We offer the following divisions:
o    Start Smart: parent participation divisions for ages 3 and 4
o    National League: first year player program for ages 5 and 6
o    American League: modified t-ball program combined with coach pitch for ages 5 and 6
o    Eastern League: coach pitch instructional program for ages 6 and 7.
Recycling Best Practices
Please only place ACCEPTABLE items in your BROWN recycling cart. Items not accepted are listed on the back of this flyer along with some useful tips on how to recycle properly. 
Train Station 10 Year Anniversary and Volunteering Opportunities

The Saco Transportation Center was opened on February 27, 2009. This beautiful facility is on the Amtrak Downeaster line and serves as a community gathering place.

Do you have a desire to serve your community? Would you like to get out and meet new people? The City of Saco needs volunteers at the Saco Transportation Center. We are seeking either Individuals or Couples to serve as station hosts, greeting and assisting visitors to the train station. Hours are available during mornings and evenings for weekdays or weekends.

You may be eligible to participate in the Senior Citizen Tax Work Off Program. Individuals must be 60 years of age and must own their own home and reside at that property to be eligible to participate in the program. For more information about the program or to apply, please contact Mary Starr, Senior Volunteer Coordinator, at 207-468-0392.

Photo provided by Bill Lord
AARP Community Challenge Grant
Bayview Beach Mobi-Mat
Age Friendly Saco  received an AARP community challenge grant to purchase the accessible beach mats that the  Saco Parks & Recreation Department  installed last summer. Check out this video to learn more about the City of Saco , the mobi-mat installation process, and how we’re all working hard to make Saco a livable community for all ages. Make sure to visit Bayview Beach in Saco this summer and see it for yourself!
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Boards, committees, and commissions are designed to give citizens a voice in their government and provide a means of influencing decisions that shape the quality of life for residents. Participation on a board or commission is one of the most effective steps citizens can take in having an active voice in their government.
Saco Community Literacy Forum
March 21st at 6:00 PM
Saco City Hall, 300 Main Street
Mary's Walk & Kerrymen 5K
March 24th @ 12:00 PM
Thornton Academy, 438 Main Street
Saco Main Street
Cabin Fevah Relievah
March 30th at 6:00 PM
120 Main Street, Mill Building #4
Saco Fire Department's Open House
April 6th - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
271 North Street
Urban Runoff
5K Race & Walk
Green Neighbor Family Fest
April 20th
Saco's Earth Day Event
Saturday, April 27th

Come celebrate Earth Day in Saco! Earth Day is an annual event typically celebrated in April all over the world! The Saco Parks & Recreation Department is going to celebrate for almost two weeks with different awareness-related activities, events, and more! Our main event will be on Saturday, April 27th. It is now a more important time than ever to focus on our green space, clean energy, eliminating waste, and becoming an Eco-friendly community.
SENIORity Spring Barbecue
May 30th
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Saco Community Center
Employee Spotlight
Erika Dube, Deputy Director
Parks & Recreation

Erika Dube, Deputy Director of Saco Parks and Recreation, was the recipient of the 2019 Dr. Bill Eckart, Young Professional Award. Erika was recognized for her contributions to her department, profession, and community at the Maine Recreation and Park Association spring conference. Congratulations, Erika!
Lieutenant Wayne Hanson
Fire Department

Lieutenant Hanson has been a dedicated employee of the Saco Fire Department for 42 years (37 of that as a full-time employee). On Sunday, March 24th, Lieutenant Hanson will be joined by his family, friends, and colleagues to celebrate his successful career.

Thank you for your years of dedication and service to this community. We wish you well in your retirement!
City of Saco |(207)282-4191 | ERoy@sacomaine.org | www.sacomaine.org