Residents tell consultant Biddeford needs fiscal discipline, transparency and stronger university ties

A consultant leading Biddeford’s city manager search described the process and timeline at a public input session and heard residents press for fiscal responsibility, transparent decision-making and stronger relations with local colleges.

The consultant, a retired Maine municipal manager who said he has overseen more than 75 searches, told attendees the recruitment ad will run about four weeks and that he will compile resumes, perform preliminary criminal and financial background checks on recommended finalists, and deliver a packet and his recommendation to the mayor and council. He said the goal is to have a new manager named by the first week in September.

Why it matters: The incoming manager will shape city operations, staff retention strategies and how the city negotiates with outside developers and regional partners. Residents framed the search not just as a personnel choice but as an opportunity to restore public confidence in municipal operations.

Residents described recurring priorities. Amy Kearns of Ward 5 said fiscal responsibility and leadership experience top her list: “I’m hoping that we find a candidate that has the experience, and of fiscal responsibility.” Peter Robbins of Ward 1 cited taxes and what he called “overdevelopment,” adding, “At the end of the day… the city manager works for me, the taxpayer.”

Several speakers called for a manager who can retain and support staff. Delilah Papore, director of Heart of Biddeford, urged completing stalled plans, filling positions and building internal capacity so the city is “a good place to work.”

Speakers with ties to regional government and nonprofits asked for a manager who can advocate beyond city hall and rebuild institutional relationships. Mark Mallon, a state representative from House District 133, said the next manager should “be able to advocate for the city in Augusta and work in a collaborative manner with the legislative delegation.” Multiple speakers urged stronger collaboration with local colleges, particularly UNE (University of New England), saying the city manager must be able to mend and strengthen that relationship.

On residency and recruitment scope, the consultant said the mayor and council will decide whether to require the manager to live in Biddeford; he noted that rigid residency requirements can shrink the applicant pool. He described outreach channels (MMA, ICMA and regional associations) and said ads will encourage candidates with public-sector or comparable private-sector experience.

Attendees also raised practical concerns: the consultant said preliminary vetting will include criminal and financial background checks and checks of employment history; he does not administer psychological exams or polygraphs unless elected officials request them.

Next steps: The consultant will collect emailed and spoken input, meet with the mayor and council to finalize the job ad and timeline, and return a compiled document of public input to inform candidate screening and interviews. The council will conduct final decisions and interviews.

The session ended with the consultant thanking attendees and saying he looks forward to finding the right person for Biddeford.