The move follows the city’s first revaluation in 15 years, which led to dramatic tax increases to some homeowners, particularly those on the peninsula.
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 council decides not to require masks in public settings to fight COVID-19
Instead, city councilors decide to reinforce public education and outreach, encouraging everyone in the city to take steps to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland city attorney nominated to serve as interim city manager
Corporation Counsel Danielle West still needs to be confirmed by the City Council at its Oct. 4 meeting to replace Jon Jennings.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland considers raising pay for some city jobs to address staffing shortages
City Manager Jon Jennings says, ‘There’s no waiting for the next budget cycle,’ with the city struggling to fill vacant positions in health care, child care and public works.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland makes closures for outdoor dining permanent, eyes remake of iconic Old Port streets
City Manager Jon Jennings says his staff is recommending a project to remake Wharf and Dana streets in the Old Port using money from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland may turn down the volume in Bayside amid increasing noise complaints
A consultant is studying sound levels, but city officials already are eying changes to rein in the noise from outdoor music venues.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland police chief leaving after 2 years for job in the private sector
Frank Clark said in an email to the city staff Friday that he has accepted a job as security director for a company he did not name.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Business, Local & State, News
Complaint about Portland’s fees may give arcade owners a new game
The city’s arcade licensing fees are facing scrutiny in response to Dave Aceto’s Instagram post calling them ‘insulting as we try to bounce back from a pandemic.’
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Portland school board member apologizes for past use of homophobic slur
Roberto Rodriguez, who is running for City Council, said he has been reaching out to individuals and community groups to make amends since the old posts began resurfacing last week.
Posted inLocal & State
City Council deadlocks on indoor mask mandate in Portland
The 4-4 vote means the proposal does not pass, but it does not go away either.