The Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget has been set for Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m. The hearing will be held via Zoom, an online video conference tool, due to the public health crisis, and will also be broadcast live on Public Access Channel 1301. The First Reading of the FY21 budget will follow the public hearing.
A summary of the proposed General Fund budget as of June 9, 2020 can be found by clicking here.
The proposed tax rate for FY21 is expected to be set at $20.05, a $0.07 increase from last year. With the increase in the Homestead Exemption for FY21, residents with homes valued at less than $1.45 million would see a property tax bill decrease at this tax rate.
Zoom Link
Please click this link to join the webinar: https://biddeford.zoom.us/j/98567693194
Password: 997339
To join by phone, dial: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 985 6769 3194
Password: 997339
FAQs on Participation in Virtual Meetings
How can I use Zoom to watch and participate in the Public Hearing and First Reading of Budget?
You will not need to register for a Zoom account, but you will need to download the Zoom application before the meeting in order to use the link. As a meeting viewer, you will not be shown on camera, and your microphone will be muted by default when you join the meeting.
If you would like to provide a comment during the public hearing, click the "raise your hand" button at the bottom of the screen at the appropriate time. The host of the meeting will see that you would like to participate and will be able to turn your mic on for you when it is your turn to speak.
If you have joined the meeting by phone only, you will need to use the following codes:
*6 - Toggle mute/unmute
*9 - Raise hand
Do I have to use Zoom to watch the Public Hearing?
No, you will still be able to watch a livestream of meetings as you usually would on Public Access Channel 1301 or on our website at https://www.biddefordmaine.org/2478/Video-Agendas-Minutes.
What if I want to submit comments on the budget without using Zoom to join the Public Hearing?
You can submit comments to the City Council in several ways:
Before or during the meeting, email contactallcouncilors@biddefordmaine.org or carmen.morris@biddefordmaine.org with written comments.
Call our service hotline at 284-9020 to give a verbal comment. This option is available until 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.