Bangor council advances budget, backs downtown district assessment

With Chair Susan Hawes absent, the Bangor City Council appointed Michael Beck as chair pro tem and moved through a busy agenda on June 8, 2026. The council gave first reading to the full municipal and school budget package, set a June 22 public hearing, and approved a downtown development district assessment after rejecting a move to postpone it. Councilors also granted a special amusement license and heard extended public comment on homelessness, needle exchange, and property taxes.

Key points

• The council voted 7-0 to name Michael Beck chair pro tem in Chair Susan Hawes's absence, with one member attending by Zoom.
• Councilor Joseph Leonard presented a proclamation declaring June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth, accepted by Athena Bryce of the Greater Bangor Area Branch of the NAACP.
• The consent agenda passed 6-1, with Wayne Mallar voting no.
• The council referred the fiscal year 2027 municipal and school budget items to first reading, with a public hearing and possible amendments set for June 22.
• A motion to postpone the Bangor Center Development District assessment failed 3-4, and the assessment order then passed 6-1 with Mallar opposed.
• Public comment drew numerous speakers on homelessness, syringe exchange, public safety, property taxes, and a downtown Pride sidewalk mural, plus a request from one speaker for a white pride recognition that the chair ruled off city business.

Next steps

• A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for the June 22 council meeting, where councilors may amend the budget.
• The council granted a special amusement license to Aros LLC, doing business as Diamonds at 190 Harlow Street.
• The council adopted the municipal development program and financial plan for the Bangor Center Development District.
• Several ordinances, including farm stands, historic preservation, seasonal storage, and the homelessness advisory committee mission, were referred to planning, historic preservation, or further readings.

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