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1 week ago

Caribou Utilities District board accepts low bid for water‑main project pending package review The board moved to accept Soderbergh Construction’s low bid of $1,472,000 for a water‑main replacement project, pending administrative review by the district’s engineer; members said grant funding and principal forgiveness will reduce the borrowing need.

The Caribou Utilities District is set to move forward with a crucial water-main replacement project after accepting a low bid of $1,472,000, but what's next for this major undertaking?

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #GrantFunding #CaribouUtilities

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1 month ago

Maine DOT says new bridge deck can be built with alternating single-lane traffic; detour unnecessary City staff relayed a Maine DOT analysis finding the new bridge deck can be constructed in stages while maintaining one 12-foot alternating traffic lane; DOT indicated short 10–15 minute closures may still be required and will coordinate with EMS and town officials.

Maine DOT has announced exciting news: the new bridge deck can be built in stages without detours, ensuring smooth traffic flow in Caribou!

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #CaribouBridge #CommunityCoordination

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2 months ago

Caribou officials, residents press Maine DOT to avoid long closure of Fort Street bridge City staff and residents told the Planning Board that an online‑only DOT meeting and a preliminary DOT plan that could close the Fort Street bridge for months raised concerns over emergency response, school bus times for roughly 140 children, and economic impacts; city leaders have asked DOT for a face‑to‑face meeting and more engineering analysis to explore keeping one lane open.

Caribou residents and officials are sounding the alarm over a proposed full closure of the Fort Street bridge, fearing it could cripple access, emergency services, and local businesses for months on end.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #TransportationIssues

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2 months ago

Caribou council reviews 2026 department budgets as fire chief seeks large ladder-truck installment City department heads outlined 2026 operating and capital requests Monday, with Fire & Ambulance seeking a $625,000 first installment on a new ladder truck and other departments flagging fleet and facility replacements; council asked about leasing, voter-approval constraints and budget assumptions.

Caribou's City Council is grappling with budget decisions as the Fire Chief pushes for a $625,000 installment on a new ladder truck, raising questions about financing and potential voter approval.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #CaribouBudget

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3 months ago

Caribou council presses DOT for comment totals and engineering rationale on Route 1 bridge plan Councilors asked city staff to request from the DOT how many public comments were received, whether commenters left contact information, and to provide engineering justifications before the council adopts an official position on the proposed Route 1 ("Arusic River") bridge project.

Caribou city councilors are demanding answers from the DOT about the controversial Route 1 bridge project, raising concerns over community impact and engineering decisions.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CaribouBridgeProject #CommunityTransparency #LocalEconomy #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Caribou council signs IAFF memo, agrees to PFML premium payment and sets 2026 nonunion COLA Council approved memorandums with IAFF 5191, authorized the city manager to sign, agreed to pay the full 1% Maine Paid Family Medical Leave premium for 2026 (estimated $50,000), approved a 3% COLA for nonunion employees and authorized dispatchers to join the Maine State Retirement Plan.

Caribou City Council just made significant moves for employees, including a retroactive pay adjustment and a 3% cost-of-living increase for 2026!

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CollectiveBargaining #PublicFinance #EmployeeBenefits #CaribouCityCouncil #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Caribou council approves library connectivity-hub design despite schedule and budget questions Caribou City Council unanimously approved design development drawings for a library connectivity hub Dec. 15, with staff promising an updated cost estimate by Dec. 19 and flagging grant invoicing deadlines that could affect the schedule.

Caribou City Council just approved an ambitious plan for a new library connectivity hub that promises enhanced accessibility and cutting-edge telehealth facilities!

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #BudgetTransparency #CommunityConnect #AccessibilityInnovation #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Caribou council approves backup plan to host 2026 Snow Bowl at recreation center Council approved allowing the Recreation and Wellness Center to serve as a backup site for the 2026 Snow Bowl, authorizing use of staff and municipal resources if weather prevents use of Spud Speedway.

Caribou City Council has given the green light for the Recreation and Wellness Center to be the backup venue for the highly anticipated 2026 Snow Bowl, ensuring local businesses thrive regardless of weather conditions!

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3 months ago

Trustees discuss communications upgrades, cybersecurity risks and small CDC grants for site protection Staff reported a communications contract to clean up wiring and reduce monthly bills, plans to add Internet and cameras at Grimes and SCADA access, and trustees discussed cybersecurity threats to utility systems; small CDC source-protection grants (~$10,000) were highlighted as a possible funding source for cameras or fencing.

Trustees are taking action to upgrade communications and tackle cybersecurity threats, potentially saving $500 a month while enhancing safety at the Grimes site.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CaribouUtilities #SourceProtection #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureUpgrade

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3 months ago

District awarded NDRC catalyst grant for river crossing; trustees approve joining Aroostook EMA hazard mitigation plan Staff said the district won an "NDRC catalyst grama" to support a river crossing and hopes to bid this winter; trustees passed a resolution to join Aroostook EMA's hazard mitigation plan so FEMA can complete a related application.

Big news for Aroostook County! The district just scored an "NDRC catalyst grant" for a crucial river-crossing project, but a lengthy environmental review could delay construction.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #CaribouHazardMitigation #FloodResilience

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5 months ago

Plans advance for Caribou riverfront and brownfields cleanup; EPA grants support diesel and steam‑plant work Staff updated the board on the Riverfront Master Plan and housing needs assessment public meetings, and reported substantial EPA brownfields grants underwrite diesel‑plant abatement (~$900,000) and a larger steam‑plant cleanup (staff cited $3–4 million); staff expects to recommend awarding the diesel‑plant demolition contract at the next city‑counc

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Caribou as the Riverfront Master Plan gains momentum with upcoming public meetings and significant EPA funding for brownfields cleanup!

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CaribouBrownfields

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7 months ago

Caribou City Council awards $50K contract to Razer Landscape Architecture for riverfront master plan Council approves $50,000 contract to Razer for riverfront redevelopment project in Caribou.

Caribou City Council is taking bold steps to transform its riverfront into a vibrant hub for recreation and community, thanks to a new $50,000 contract with Razer Landscape Architecture.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #QualityOfLife #CaribouRiverfront

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7 months ago

State Funds Secured for River Crossing and Drinking Water Projects Officials confirm state funding for river crossing and drinking water initiatives is progressing.

Caribou is making strides in securing state funding for crucial drinking water projects, but will they overcome the hurdles of federal funding limitations?

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CaribouUtilities #CitizenPortal #StateFunding #WaterInfrastructure #FederalSupport

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7 months ago

Budget Update Shows Water Revenue at 67 Percent and Wastewater at 74 Percent Budget report reveals water and wastewater revenue and expense alignment through the year.

Caribou's financial outlook is looking bright with water and wastewater revenues tracking well ahead of expenses—what does this mean for the community?

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #CaribouWater #FinancialTransparency #SustainableServices #CommunityBudgeting

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7 months ago

City Council Aims for December Budget Approval to Enable January Cost Adjustments Council members discuss finalizing budget by December for timely cost of living adjustments.

Caribou city officials are racing against the clock to finalize this year's budget by December, aiming to tackle rising health insurance costs and implement necessary adjustments right on time!

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CaribouBudget #CitizenPortal #CommunityPlanning

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7 months ago

Maine Water Department Secures Funding Approval for Wastewater Projects and FEMA Generator Maine Water Department submits application for wastewater projects and awaits FEMA grant response.

Caribou officials are gearing up for major upgrades to the city's water and wastewater systems, with crucial funding on the horizon and a new piece of equipment set to arrive soon!

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CaribouUtilities #CitizenPortal

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7 months ago

Caribou Planning Board Tables Cannabis Ordinance Review Amid Legal Complaints The board postpones reviewing cannabis ordinance pending resolution of a legal complaint.

The Caribou Planning Board has taken a significant step towards renewable energy by approving the Irving Fire and Solar Project, but the future of the cannabis ordinance remains in limbo amid unresolved legal complaints.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal

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9 months ago

Panel Disposal Solutions Under Review Amid Recycling Concerns Officials examine options for recycling or landfilling abandoned district panels.

Caribou is grappling with a pressing question: what happens to abandoned solar panels, and how can the community ensure responsible disposal to protect the environment?

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #RenewableEnergy

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9 months ago

City Considers Future Use of Grimes Freezer Plant for Light Industry Development City explores repurposing Grimes freezer plant for production while maintaining agricultural rights.

The Caribou Utility District is exploring exciting new possibilities for the Grimes freezer plant site, aiming to transform it into a hub for light industry that could revitalize the community.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #EconomicGrowth #CaribouLightIndustry

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9 months ago

Financial Report Approved as South Main Street Project Updates Shared Council approves financial report and discusses South Main Street project updates.

The Caribou Utility District is tackling financial challenges and infrastructure improvements head-on, securing a favorable interest rate while addressing staffing needs and community support.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #CaribouUtilityDistrict #CommunitySupport

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9 months ago

City Prepares for Paving Projects Following Infrastructure Repairs on Queen and Sweden Streets City officials confirm paving projects begin after completing necessary repairs on several streets.

Caribou's streets are getting a much-needed facelift, with exciting updates on utility services and paving projects that promise to enhance residents' daily lives!

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #UtilityServices #CaribouUtility

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9 months ago

Council discusses cannabis regulations amid community concerns Council members express differing views on cannabis regulation and community engagement.

The Caribou Planning Board tackled the hot-button issue of cannabis regulation, sparking debate and community concerns about how to proceed.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #ResourceEfficiency #CaribouCommunity #CannabisRegulation

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9 months ago

Cannabis Policy Office seeks legal clarity on caregiver regulations and retail operations Office of Cannabis Policy discusses caregiver definitions amidst retail operation permissions.

The Caribou Planning Board is grappling with confusing cannabis regulations, highlighting the urgent need for clarity between medical caregivers and retail operators.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #LocalBusinesses #CommunitySupport #CaribouCannabis #RegulatoryReform

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9 months ago

Council members debate Presque Isle's cannabis retail ordinances and community input City council discusses updating cannabis retail ordinance to reflect community desires.

Tensions are rising in Caribou as community members demand clarity on cannabis regulations and the right to shop locally for their products.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #RegulatoryCompliance #CaribouCannabis #LocalBusiness #CommunityInput

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9 months ago

Planning Board prepares anti-blight ordinances for July public hearings Planning Board advances anti-blight and nuisance ordinances for city council review in July.

Caribou's Planning Board is taking bold steps to tackle urban blight with new ordinances and community engagement ahead of crucial public hearings.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #CaribouCommunity #UrbanBlight

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9 months ago

McElwain Strawberry Farm celebrates 40th anniversary with community event in Caribou McElwain Strawberry Farm hosts anniversary celebration featuring food and family activities in Caribou.

Get ready to celebrate 40 years of sweet memories at McElwain Strawberry Farm with delicious food, fun activities, and a strong sense of community!

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #CaribouCommunity #LocalAgriculture #CommunityEvents

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9 months ago

Zoning Debate Intensifies Over Cannabis Caregiver Operations and Location Restrictions Council discusses zoning challenges impacting cannabis caregiver operations and residential area restrictions.

The Caribou Planning Board is facing a pivotal moment as zoning laws threaten to stifle local cannabis caregivers, raising urgent questions about the future of their operations.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #ZoningRegulations #LocalBusinesses #CaribouCannabis

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9 months ago

Caribou City Council updates cannabis ordinance to reflect state statute changes Council agrees to amend cannabis language while maintaining opt-out stance on retail sales.

Caribou's Planning Board has taken a bold step in updating cannabis regulations to prioritize public safety while maintaining their opt-out stance on retail sales.

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityRegulation #CaribouCannabis #LandUse

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9 months ago

Planning Board discusses cannabis ordinance ahead of city council meeting Planning Board prioritizes cannabis ordinance compliance before upcoming city council public hearing.

Caribou's Planning Board is racing against time to redefine cannabis regulations, with urgent revisions on the table before a pivotal public hearing!

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #PublicPolicy #CitizenPortal #CommunityRegulations #CaribouCannabis

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9 months ago

Caribou plans bike night for final Thursdays on Sweden Street of the season Caribou organizes community events including bike night and Open Farm Day later this month

Caribou is gearing up for an exciting bike night and Open Farm Day, bringing the community together for fun and economic growth!

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#CaribouAroostookCounty #ME #CitizenPortal #CaribouCommunity #AgritourismInitiatives