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Your Local Ballot Questions

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Local Ballot Questions 

Question 1

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Question 1 asks voters to approve a $20 million General Obligation Bond to complete mandatory separation of the City's storm and sanitary sewer systems.

Background

 

Biddeford’s original sewer system was a one-pipe system, meaning that the same pipe carries storm water and household wastewater from toilets, tubs and sinks. During heavy rains, the single pipe cannot handle the high volume of water, and as a result, untreated wastewater from our toilets overflows into water bodies such as the Saco River. The City's Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) program creates a two-pipe system: one pipe that carries the household wastewater to the treatment plant and a separate pipe for carrying stormwater. 

 

The City's ongoing CSO work is critical for keeping wastewater pollution out of our rivers and streams, reducing basement and yard flooding, and creating a safer and cleaner environment. In fact, it is so important that it is required by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The projects that are set to be funded by this bond are outlined in the City's work agreement with the Maine DEP and must be completed to avoid significant fines ($30,000 per violation and $100 for each day that work is not completed). The estimated cost of the required work through 2036 is approximately $40,000,000. If voters reject this bond initiative, the projects will be funded out of property taxes, causing vast swings in the year-to-year mil rate. 

Language

 

"Shall the the Order of the Biddeford City Council entitled “Order Authorizing Issuance of $20,000,000 of the City’s General Obligation Bonds for Separating and Improving the City’s Storm and Sanitary Sewer Systems in accordance with the signed Administrative Consent Agreement with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection” be ratified and approved?"

 

A "yes" vote approves the bond. A "no" vote rejects the bond.

 

Financing

For a $20M Bond, the impact on the median home valued at $382,500 is $109.73 based on the average bond payment.

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Treasurers Statement

Bond Payment Schedule

Question 2

Question 2 asks voters to approve a $6 million General Obligation Bond to fund improvements to the City’s recreation facilities at Clifford Park, Rotary Park,
Shevenell Park, Memorial Park (Mayfield), Doran Field, St. Louis Field, J. Richard Martin Community Center, West Brook Skating Rink, Biddeford Ice Arena, or a future skate park.

Background
Each year, City departments create a plan outlining the capital investment needs for each of their facilities. In 2025,
the Recreation Department identified these critical projects at facilities across the city:

 
Rotary Park

  • Replace long-overdue septic system at the bathhouse

  • Upgrade security measures in and around the bathhouse

  • Resurface Redmond Field for smoother play

  • Installation of security gate 

  • Install a new backstop at Martel Field

  • Relocate and expand the Dog Park for safer off-leash fun

  • Add tee pads and signage to the Disc Golf Course

  • Renew shingles, windows, and indoor HVAC at the Teen Center

  • Erect a new gate at Rotary Beach and enhance ADA access to the beach and picnic grove

Shevenell Park:

  • Complete, top-to-bottom renovation to modernize play areas, pathways, and amenities

St. Louis Fields Complex:

  • Install perimeter fencing for improved safety and crowd control

  • Build new spectator seating at Field #1

  • Upgrade public restrooms for hygiene and accessibility

  • Add irrigation to Field #1 outfield for healthier turf

  • Enhance lighting for evening games and events

Clifford Park:

  • Develop a forest management plan to preserve natural areas

  • Upgrade trails for durability and accessibility

  • Introduce wayfinding signage for easy navigation

  • Resurface basketball and tennis courts for safer play

J. Richard Martin Community Center:

  • Correct existing code violations to meet safety standards

  • Repave the parking lot for smoother access

  • Remove the underground storage tank (UST) to eliminate environmental risks

  • Installation of security upgrades for public safety needs

  • Installation of upgraded HVAC system to replace outdated boiler system

Mayfield Park:

  • Resurface tennis and basketball courts

  • Modernize public restrooms for comfort and ADA compliance

Doran Field:

  • Reconfigure the playing field layout and complete outstanding facility work

Other Key Sites

  • Westbrook Skating Rink: essential maintenance and upgrades

  • Biddeford Ice Arena: improvements for youth hockey, skating lessons, and community events

  •  New Skatepark for all ages and abilities to enjoy



A $6 million bond would be used to begin to address these major needs. If voters approve the bond, members of the public will have the opportunity to weigh in on which facilities
the Council should prioritize when making funding decisions.

Language
"Shall the the Order of the Biddeford City Council entitled “Order Authorizing Issuance of $6,000,000
of the City’s General Obligation Bonds for Improvements to the City’s Recreation Facilities” be ratified and approved?"
A "yes" vote approves the bond. A "no" vote rejects the bond.
Financing
Based on the average bond payment, the impact on a median home valued at $382,500 is $37.62.

 
Treasurers Statement
Bond Payment Schedule

Question 3

This question asks voters to create a Charter Commission to review and recommend revisions to the city’s Charter.

 

Background:

Biddeford’s Charter outlines how our city government is structured and how it operates. State law requires that if any changes are to be made to the Charter, a Charter Commission must be created to review the Charter and propose revisions. The Commission may suggest changes, leave the Charter as it is, or propose an entirely new Charter. Any proposed changes must then go back to the voters for approval in a future election. Before a Charter Commission can be formed, voters must first decide whether they want one. This referendum asks whether Biddeford should create a Charter Commission. 

 

If the referendum passes, voters will elect members to serve on the Commission in June 2026.  The new commission will organize in July 2026 and have 9-12 months to work on their recommendations to the City Council. There will be public hearings involved in this process, allowing all residents opportunities to weigh in. Depending on the timing of when the Charter Commission's recommendations are moved forward to the Council, voters will determine whether to accept or reject the proposed changes in either November 2027 or June 2028. Changes that are ratified by voters will go into effect in July 2028.

Language

 

“Shall a Charter Commission be established for the purpose of revising the municipal charter?”

 

A "yes" vote supports the establishment of a Charter Commission. A "no" vote rejects the establishment of a Charter Commission.

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