Development News for Bangor, Maine

Downtown Special Assessment District Budget Process Explained; TIF Budget Correction Noted

The Downtown Special Assessment District (SAD) budget process was clarified, differentiating it from the TIF district. Unlike TIF, which captures added value, SADs involve an added assessment on properties based on their value. The budget process includes assigning the district and fee, and it operates as a pass-through, separate from the city's main budget, with its own public hearing. An error in the budget book was noted where $30,000 for street plus was omitted from the TIF amount but has been corrected on the online sheet.

Wastewater Department Presents Budget, Outlines Capital Projects and EPA Consent Decree Compliance

The budget workshop for the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Sewer Department was presented, outlining core functions, recent accomplishments, and upcoming goals. Key discussions included the ongoing EPA consent decree to mitigate combined sewer overflows (CSOs), the completion of the SCADA project, and planned upgrades such as the aeration upgrade. The department also addressed operational changes due to a renewed discharge permit and personnel turnover. Capital projects, including sewer separation, SCADA system completion, aeration upgrade, and CCTV van replacement, were detailed. Funding for these projects, including state revolving funds for the Perry Road pump station and separation projects, was also discussed.