FY2026 Budget

Public Works is in its 4th year of a 10-year plan of a Sidewalk Rehabilitation Plan to address improvements. It’s also requested a third sidewalk machine with attachments in the FY2026 budget. Because it would be identical to the current two, the attachments could be used interchangeably and have abilities for year-round use. A third machine would help the department maintain more of the sidewalks in Scarborough.

By April Sither, Scarborough Town Council Chair

Not a day goes by that I don’t read or hear someone call Scarborough’s elected officials or our Town Manager “greedy.” It’s a common refrain, especially on social media, and I think it’s time we talk about it, honestly and openly. What is at the root of that narrative? Is it just a sound bite? Do people genuinely believe that we would take “backroom” money from developers? Or is it frustration over the perception that we aren’t listening? If so, let me be clear: we are listening, and I’m not interested in committing a felony.

Scarborough Director of Planning and Codes Autumn Speer tell us more about the Trails and Sidewalks Master Plan in the proposed FY2026 capital budget. The Plan will identify new trails and trail networks, as well as incorporate new sidewalks and shared use paths throughout Town.

Learn more about what TIF districts are, how the Town of Scarborough uses them, and the benefit it brings to the community and budget.

Town Engineer Angela Blanchette tells us more about the $600,000 added to the proposed FY2026 capital budget to finish the Spurwink Road project that began in 2023. It will address the section from Pleasant Hill Road to the Cape Elizabeth town line to fix some drainage and alignment issues, plus widen the shoulders for overall improved safety.