South Portland’s $88.6 million public safety bond is one step closer to vote
A new police and fire station estimated to cost $88.6 million are one step closer to being on the November ballot.
The City Council voted 6-to-1 on a first reading of the language of the public safety bond at its meeting on Tuesday. The second reading and public hearing will be held on Aug. 4, and the public safety buildings will be open for tours the day before. The bonds would not be issued unless the referendum is approved by voters.
“It’s our duty to find out what the public wants,” Councilor Richard Matthews said. “I feel it’s time to move it on to the voters.”
The proposed bond would provide up to $44.35 million for a new police station to be built on the vacant Walgreens parcel in Cash Corner that the city acquired earlier this year. It would also allocate $44.25 for a new central fire station to be built on the footprint of the existing central police and fire station. The city plans to issue the bonds in two phases, starting first with the construction of the police station and then the fire station.
A rendering of the proposed South Portland police station. (Courtesy of SMRT architects)
An average single-family home valued at $514,000 would expect an additional annual $267 in property taxes for fiscal year 2028 and 2029. When the second phase is financed, property taxes for that household would increase an additional $267, making the total estimated tax impact $534 beginning in fiscal year 2030, according to Finance Director Ellen Sanborn.
The actual tax impact will depend on interest rates, final construction costs and other factors at the time the bonds are issued.
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Many city council members recognized the project is a major undertaking for residents at a time when the city is looking at other major cost impacts, such as a new pump station.
But they also believe that improvements to the city’s public safety buildings are long overdue.
“The longer we delay doing this, the more it’s going to cost,” Councilor Rachael Coleman said.
The police station – built in 1967– and the fire station – built in 1955 – do not meet modern codes and have significant mechanical, electrical and plumbing issues. The HVAC systems are past their lifespan, and the evidence room and emergency operation center regularly flood.
Police Chief Dan Ahern and Fire Chief Phil Selberg have both said the current stations don’t meet modern public safety needs and standards, and their departments are in desperate need of new homes.
SMRT architects updated the building designs following council feedback at a meeting on May 19, changing the proposed look of the police station to include a brick exterior.
The proposed fire station includes a small lantern-like tower, a design nod to the old facade.
A rendering of the proposed South Portland fire department. (Courtesty of SMRT Architects)
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Tagged: Fire Department, infrastructure, south portland police department
Dana Richie is a community reporter covering South Portland and Cape Elizabeth. Originally from Atlanta, she fell in love with the landscape and quirks of coastal New England while completing her undergraduate. More by Dana Richie
