TOWN PROPOSES BUDGET AND STAFF CUTS BUT NO CHANGE TO NO-SHOW JOB FOR TOWN MANAGER

TOWN PROPOSES BUDGET AND STAFF CUTS BUT NO CHANGE TO NO-SHOW JOB FOR TOWN MANAGER, EVEN AS PETITION APPROACHES 1000 SIGNATURES

Concerned about potential revenue shortfalls due to COVID-19 and a related economic downturn, Kennebunk town officials have revised the 2020-2021 budget that voters will be asked to approve at the next election (rescheduled to July 20 because of the pandemic).  However, they are leaving intact Town Manager Mike Pardue’s new contract which “encourages” him to seek election to the state House of Representatives and promises to continue paying him his full town salary and an extra retirement contribution while he spends half of each year in Augusta.

The Select Board and Budget Board had approved a budget in February, but on April 18 they were asked to reconvene and consider spending cuts and increased borrowing proposed by Town Hall in response to financial impacts from the pandemic. The new budget includes cuts across the board, including positions in the Fire Department and Code Enforcement.  The Budget Board rejected proposed cuts to funding for social service agencies and Town committees totaling over $11,000.  Yet the Town Manager’s compensation package with an annual cost to Kennebunk taxpayers of $186,370 in the first year (including a $26,000 cash contribution to his retirement account) remains unchanged.

The first Public Hearing on the budget will be this Tuesday, May 12. Due to social distancing requirements, the meeting will be held online via Zoom.  This offers a chance to speak without having to leave your home or stand at a podium.  You can also speak during the Public Comment portion of the meeting if you want to comment on the Manager’s contract.

Please take this opportunity to address the Select Board and Town Manager directly and make your voice heard!  The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.  The Public Hearing on the budget is item 4 on the agenda and general Public Comment is item 5.  You can view the complete agenda and instructions on how to join the meeting via Zoom here: https://www.kennebunkmaine.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122020-2394

Over 925 of us have signed the petition (including offline signatures)!  Let’s tell the Kennebunk Select Board and Town Manager Mike Pardue that now, more than ever, it is critical that the Town Manager be available in Kennebunk to do the job he is paid to do!