FY 2020 Budget Update
On March 25, 2019, Saco’s Finance Director, Glenys Salas, presented the Fiscal Year 2020 budget to the City Council. The Directive Budget included contracted increases along with an allowance of up to 1.9% to cover other operational expenses, in line with City Council directive. The City Administrator, Kevin Sutherland, selected certain requests above the directive to be a part of his Recommended Budget. This Recommended Budget was designed to solve long-standing staffing challenges and meet the needs of a growing City, while still staying below Saco’s highest municipal mil rate of $8.09.......
News & Updates
Leashing Ordinance Changes in Effect

Please remember to leash your dogs this summer.
We need your help protecting at-risk wildlife nesting on our beaches.
Bark in the Park
On June 1, Saco Main Street hosted the second annual Bark in the Park dog festival at the Saco Dog Park. Along with Saco Main Street, sponsored by People’s Choice Credit Union and Animal Hospital of Saco and raised hundreds of dollars for Park improvements. All enjoyed a day filled with fun games, face painting, dog training demonstrations, and yummy snacks for dogs and people in attendance. Dozens of vendors from groomers to insurance agents attracted over 100 attendants and their canine companions for an afternoon of fun. 
Age Friendly Saco: A Community for a Lifetime
Catching Health with Diane Atwood visited us in Saco on the Day of Caring. During Diane's visit, she interviewed volunteers from Age Friendly Saco and staff from Saco Parks and Recreation about the programs and services offered to help our community members age in place. Check our Diane's blog to learn more about her visit.
Tax Work-Off Program for Qualifying Residents
Are you over the age of 65 and in need of assistance paying your property taxes? Do you own your own home and have a limited income? You may be eligible for a tax relief program. Participants will receive a credit towards their Saco property taxes after completing the required number of hours for the program.

Many of our Tax Work-off participants work at the Saco Train Station, while others work in offices throughout the city. Training is provided upon acceptance into the program.

There is limited space available in the program at this time. You can find the applications online at the city website  www.sacomaine.org , or you can request one by calling Mary Starr, Program Coordinator at 207-468-0392.

Photo of the Transportation Center provided by Greg Gallant Photography
Winners of the 2nd Grade Drawing Contest
Second-graders at  Saco Schools  participate in a drawing contest each year that is organized by the Saco Fire Department. The winner is picked anonymously by  Saco Professional Firefighters  and is awarded a ride to school in a firetruck.
Austin Roy is the winner from Young School. He invited his friend Will to join him. Austin and Will are best friends and they have been in the same class together since kindergarten.

Congratulations, Austin! We're so glad you and Will enjoyed your ride to school.

Austin is pictured here with his friend Will, Lt. Finley from the Saco Fire Department, and School Resource Officer, Amanda Condon.
Emma Fabian was the winner from Fairfield School.

Both of Emma’s parents are firefighters in Portland, and during the winter, Emma and her mother help clear snow away from fire hydrants near their house in Saco.

Congratulations, Emma!

Emma is pictured here with her friend Lalita and Lt. Finley from the Saco Fire Department.
For the Love of Community
The  Saco Police Department  had a team of sixteen runners during the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) this month. The LETR is an opportunity for members of the law enforcement community to show their support for the Special Olympics athletes in their respective communities. 

The Saco Police Department received the torch from the Biddeford Police Department, ran down Route 1 in Saco, and handed off the torch to the Scarborough Maine Police Department. Thank you to these volunteers who ran in this years Special Olympics Torch Run.
Students from  Saco Schools  were unable to attend the Special Olympics last month due to weather conditions, so the students’ families, the schools, and the community came together to organize a fun event today! Lt. Finley from the Saco Fire Department assisted Sami Woodcock with the torch lighting. Sgt Cote, Cpl Gagnon, Officer Ambrozy, and School Resource Officer Condon from the Saco Police Department  
provided a police escort and encouragement for participants. Congratulations to all of the students who participated!
The  Saco Police Department  has four new officers who graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy on May 24th. Congratulations to Officers Gott, Royle, Allen, and Ambrozy. Saco Officer Gott represented the 36th Basic Law Enforcement Training Program as class president. These four officers completed 18 weeks of training at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Congratulations to all the graduates!
New Police Officers
Congratulations to the Thornton Academy Boys Lacrosse
Class A State Champions
June Budget Validation Referendum Election
You can view the official election results from the June 11th Election, using the button below.
Parks and Recreation Prepares for Summer Camp
The Saco Parks and Recreation Department held a comprehensive, multi-day orientation program for their summer staff earlier this week.

The orientation included training from city staff and EqualityMaine discussed how to make campers' summers more enjoyable with inclusivity training.
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.
Sidewalk Art Festival
Don't forget to attend the Saco Sidewalk Art Festival on June 22nd!
A presentation of the draft report and recommendations will take place in the Saco City Hall Auditorium on
June 27th at 6:00 PM.

This will be an opportunity for community members to provide comments and feedback.
Route 1 Transportation Study
Public Meeting
The Saco and Scarborough communities are partnering with the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) and the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) to make Route 1 safer and more accessible for all modes of travel, including motor vehicles, public transit, bicycles, and pedestrians. The study will create a plan for a business-friendly road that encourages people to walk, bike and use transit. You can view the draft report on the project page using the link provided.
Employee Spotlight
This edition's employee spotlight goes to two, well-deserving individuals. Juliette Lambert (right) & Homer Grant (left) who are retiring from their jobs as crossing guards after 12 years of service. Throughout this time they've assisted students as they walk to and from school and kept the children safe. They've been extremely dedicated and compassionate members of our community and we will miss them but wish them well in their retirement.
City of Saco |(207)282-4191 | ERoy@sacomaine.org | www.sacomaine.org