Bangor Council approves library social worker, firefighter positions in budget workshop

The Bangor City Council held a budget workshop on June 17, 2026, focusing on new personnel requests and capital projects. Councilors voted to fund a social worker position at the public library and approved critical and high-priority staffing increases, including eight new firefighter/paramedic roles. The council also approved a $20,000 line for legislative lobbying and returned $200,000 for a mall redevelopment plan to unassigned fund balance.

Key points

• Council voted 6-3 to fund the library's request for a $90,000 social worker position, with Councilors Fish and Mallar voting no.
• The council approved all critical and high-priority new positions, including eight firefighter/paramedic roles, resulting in a projected mill rate of 17.13.
• A motion to approve a $20,000 budget line for potential legislative lobbying services passed unanimously.
• Councilors voted 9-0 to remove $200,000 allocated for a mall redevelopment plan from the budget, returning it to unassigned fund balance.
• The police department requested a $450,000 carryover of unspent payroll funds to aid in officer retention, noting the department is currently down 16 positions.
• Councilor Beck proposed a $2,500 increase for the Cultural Commission, but the council decided to defer the decision pending further discussion with the commission.

Next steps

• The council will hold a second budget workshop on June 18 if necessary to complete remaining items.
• The police department will provide a report on the status of filling new positions and the impact on overtime costs.
• Council staff will schedule a future meeting with the Cultural Commission to discuss budget needs and potential funding increases.

Read the full transcript