Laurie Smith, Kennebunkport’s town manager, will take over as Biddeford’s city manager on December 29 with a three-year employment contract
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor
Laurie Smith, Biddeford’s new city manager, will be paid an annual salary of $215,000, according to an employment contract that will likely be approved by the Biddeford City Council during their next regular meeting on Nov. 5.
In addition to her base salary, Smith’s three-year contract provides her with 24 paid vacation days, health insurance as offered to all of the city’s non-union employees, life insurance valued at twice her base salary and a $600 per month vehicle allowance.
As outline in the contract, Smith will be on call to the city 24 hours per day, seven days per week. She will continue to reside at her Kennebunk home and will not be reimbursed for mileage.
According to the terms of the contract, the city may terminate her employment without cause and will pay her a lump sum equivalent to six months’ salary.
Smith will become the city’s sixth professional, full-time manager, replacing Truc Dever who resigned abruptly in April after only nine months on the job. Dever was offered a base salary of $200,000 per year.
Cornell Knight, a veteran city manager, has been serving as Biddeford’s interim city manager since June.
Previous Biddeford city managers include James Bennett, John Bubier, Edward Clifford and Bruce Benway. Brian Phinney served as acting city manager after Bennett was ousted from office in February 2025.
VIEW / DOWNLOAD Smith’s Employment Contract
STAY CONNECTED | SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TODAY
That’s outrageous and insulting, so much money when there is 0 LOW INCOME HOUSING! Biddeford city council and mayor are getting rich and the poor are getting 0.
City Councilors are paid $100 per month, an amount that has not been raised for more than 10 years. They typically work 50-60 hours per month and pay the same taxes you pay, including increases. The mayor earns $10,000 per year, and is expected to work roughly more than 80 hours per month. He also pays city taxes just like you. In essence, the mayor earns $10/per hour (about half the amount of the typical fast-food worker). They are NOT “getting rich” They basically volunteer and take time away from their own families to serve the people of Biddeford.
Doing some quick research, Boston City Manager (Mayor) Salary is $250,000.
I certainly wish her well