The City Council’s 6-3 vote in favor of a $64 million bond to renovate four elementary schools fell one vote short of making the ballot, but the battle has just begun.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland’s $64 million school renovation plan falls short of ballot by 1 vote
More than 50 people at a hearing call for borrowing to fix four schools, but three city councilors vote against it.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
Portland council considers putting multiple school bond questions on ballot
Two proposals to do fewer renovations in the short term would compete with a $64 million plan to fix four schools, a plan that lacks the seven votes necessary for approval.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland addiction program moving to India Street Public Health Center
For-profit Grace Street Recovery says it can offer more opioid treatment in the new location alongside other clinics.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Jeep flips after hitting pedestrian island in downtown Portland
Portland police say neither speed nor alcohol appear to be a factor and no one was injured.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Nor’easter on track to hit Maine this week
Meanwhile, Portland and Augusta set record low high temperatures on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Firefighters shuttle water 4 miles to put out North Yarmouth barn fire
Crews are able to prevent the flames from spreading to two nearby homes.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics, Schools and Education
Pivotal Portland councilor says she supports a smaller school renovation bond
Jill Duson is working on a plan to fund improvements at two schools in hopes the state will help pay for the work at two others.
Posted inLocal & State, News
New security system at Portland City Hall has eyes – and ears
The cameras can record both video and audio, which is unusual in municipal buildings and raises concerns about privacy.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
Portland school budget proposal risks clash with City Council over property taxes
Councilors set a goal of capping the overall increase at 2.5 percent, but the proposed education portion calls for a 6.5 percent jump amid uncertainty over state aid.