Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard offered a dire economic warning for residents during Tuesday’s city council meeting
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor
Veteran Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard — a self-described fiscal hawk — took an opportunity during Tuesday’s city council meeting to offer a more than gloomy economic forecast for both homeowners and renters in Biddeford.
Lessard reminded residents that they are not only feeling a pinch at the gas pump but are also facing dramatic sewer fee increases, another property tax increase — and other inflationary pressures that could force Biddeford families to spend between $150 and $175 more in their monthly budgets.
Earlier this year, the city council approved a 5.73 percent increase for this year’s municipal budget.
Last month, the council approved a cumulative 31 percent increase in residential sewer fees.
Meanwhile, global events including President Donald Trump’s hard-line stance on global tariffs and the ongoing conflict in Iran, have caused Americans to pay more for almost everything while the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) continues to weigh proposed overall rate increases by both Central Maine Power (CMP) and Maine Water.
“I’m just throwing it out there.
— Marc Lessard
You can do your own math.”
“Buckle up,” Lessard said near the end of Tuesday’s meeting. “Any unit in the city of Biddeford — apartment or house — will be seeing about $150 to $175 per month increase in their budget compared to last year. I’m just throwing it out there. You can do your own math.”
NOTE : The Maine PUC recently denied a $70 million interim rate increase requested by CMP but is still considering a broader $189 million request that could be decided early next year.
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