Maine cities prepare budget cuts as coronavirus hammers economy

SOUTH PORTLAND (WGME) -- Cities across the country are preparing for budget cuts, as the coronavirus hammers the economy.

Some cities in Maine, like South Portland, say they're expecting budget cuts up to millions of dollars.

South Portland's mayor says essential services, such as police and fire departments, will be the last thing they cut.

South Portland City Councilor Claude Morgan says they have been forced back to the drawing board now that they have to create a new budget.

"It's tweaking it to meet this extraordinary year, that's the challenge," Morgan said.

Maine's state of civil emergency extended to May 15

City Manager Scott Morelli expects the major cuts to be money that was set aside for new hires in departments like the city's public works.

"There were a lot of requests this year for new positions, and frankly those are probably the easiest things to take a look at," Morelli said.

Mayor Kate Lewis says she's already looking ahead at how she can make the situation easier on those who live in the city.

"I will be very reluctant to increase property taxes or expenses during this particular year," Lewis said.

20 deaths, over 730 coronavirus cases reported in Maine

As for other cities across the state, the spokesperson for the Maine Municipal Association says they're approaching budget cuts with caution.

"We haven't been through anything like this before, how does the public health emergency of this magnitude affect revenues at a local level is anyone's guess," Maine Municipal Association Spokesperson Eric Conrad said.

"A lot of this with the coronavirus, I've heard the term, ‘It's like flying a plane while you're building it,’" Morelli said.

A new budget will be presented to the city council to be reviewed April 28.