Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach could vote on $7M communications upgrade in November
Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach public safety officials say the current radio communications system is outdated and unreliable. (File)
In November, Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach residents could vote on a $7.4 million upgrade to the radio communications system used by the public safety, public service and school departments in both towns.
Last week, the Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach town councils both approved a first reading of orders to include the upgrade as a referendum question on November’s ballot.
The Scarborough Town Council first discussed upgrading the old system in a meeting in February, when public safety representatives described the proposal as vital.
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Firefighters and police officers in both towns have said they’ve experienced communications problems in the midst of emergency situations using the current system, which uses technology from the 1950s and infrastructure from the 1990s. They’ve at times even been forced to use their cellphones to communicate.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult, and in some cases impossible, for us to source replacement parts and even hire vendors to do service on our equipment,” Joe Thornton, Scarborough emergency communications manager, said.
There are also gaps in coverage in some areas of northern Scarborough, making it difficult for first responders to reach the communication center. The current system uses VHF (very high frequency) technology, which doesn’t penetrate well into modern buildings, like metal structures and large box stores, and there are no additional channels available to expand communications, Thornton said.
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The total cost of the project is estimated to be nearly $12.4 million, with Scarborough contributing $9.2 million and Old Orchard Beach contributing $3.2 million. However, other funding sources could reduce that number.
The towns have explored funding assistance opportunities, including grants through FEMA and regional organizations, but those require public support. If the referendums pass, the towns will revisit those grants.
They’ve also reached out to Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King to submit a congressionally directed spending request, which King advanced to the Appropriations Committee in the U.S. Senate.
“Our approach at this point is to move forward with the hope that we will receive and be awarded some congressional funding,” said Liam Gallagher, Scarborough’s assistant town manager. “We want to be very upfront that there is a risk to this approach.”
If they receive that $5 million federal grant, it would bring the total project cost to $7.4 million — $5.6 million for Scarborough and $1.8 million for Old Orchard Beach.
The Scarborough referendum question will ask residents to approve the issuance of up to $6 million in bonds, in anticipation of receiving congressional funding. If the towns don’t receive the grants, Scarborough will have to look at other funding options or will return to the voters to bridge the gap, Gallagher said.
Old Orchard Beach’s referendum question asks residents to approve $3.3 million, which would cover the total project cost for the town if no other funding is secured.
Because of the high price tags, residents from both towns would need to approve the upgrade at the polls in November. If the proposal is approved and receives federal grant funding, the new system would be in place in late 2028, and it would last 15 to 20 years.
The Scarborough Town Council will have a public hearing and second reading of the order regarding the communications referendum question on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m.
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Tagged: old orchard beach town council, public safety, scarborough town council
Salomé Cloteaux is a community reporter covering Scarborough and Westbrook. She was born in France but lived in Indiana for most of her life before moving to Portland in November 2025. Salomé has a degree. More by Salomé Cloteaux
