Development News for Kennebunk, Maine

Kennebunk Holds Second Public Hearing for FY27 Municipal Budget, Revealing Key Financial Figures

The town held its second public hearing for the fiscal year 2026-2027 municipal budget and town meeting warrant. The net municipal budget is $20,623,812, a 4.61% increase. Municipal gross expenses are $28,816,429, a 0.2% decrease. The York County budget is $2,063 (5.3% increase), and the RSU obligation is $34,752,265 (5.3% increase). The capital budget is $1,436,500, and TIF is $1,500,000. The estimated tax rate is $10.36 per $1,000 of valuation.

Memorial Day Parade Success, Election Updates, and Volunteer Appreciation Highlighted by Select Board

Select Board member Kevin is thanking the town and Legion for organizing the Memorial Day parade, noting the community's ability to pull together despite challenges. He also commends the middle and high school bands. Another board member thanks the town clerk's office and election clerks, and those who volunteered for committees or ran for office. The town clerk's office is open Saturday and Sunday for voting and registration. There's a discussion about the rules for write-in votes, emphasizing the need to check the box for a vote to count. The office is managing ongoing ballots and reaching out to unenrolled voters about ballot choices, with a deadline of Friday for responses to receive both party and town/school ballots.

Kennebunk Reviews and Revises Personnel Policy and Employee Handbook

The town is implementing changes to its personnel policy and employee handbook, last approved on May 27th, 2025. The annual review aims to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, reflect current employee practices, foster an inclusive workplace, and attract/retain qualified staff. Revisions clarified that supervisors' approval is needed for hourly employees to work off the clock, especially with mobile technology. There have been no issues with the transition to Maine's paid family medical leave policy.

Updates from Climate Action, Housing, Historic Preservation, and Conservation Committees

The Climate Action Committee is working on updates to the greenhouse gas emissions inventory and the SoulSmart designation. They have also released their first newsletter, which summarizes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Eco Maine held a groundbreaking for its new recycling facility. The Neighborhood Housing Trust is offering public tours of vacant properties on June 6th and has taken over management of an apartment building outside Dock Square, with plans to keep rents affordable. The Historic Preservation Commission approved five applications, though some were after the fact, leading to discussions on improving the permitting process. The Conservation Commission participated in World Migratory Fish Day, touring work at Rogers Pond. The Garden Committee is preparing for water needs during the drought, looking into rain barrels and reducing composting costs.