Town Manager’s Report

June 14, 2021

As the fiscal year comes to a close, the council will be pleased to know that the fiscal health of the Town is robust. Property tax collection is currently at 99.64% of the anticipated amounts, which is .13% greater than the average amount collected at this time historically. Additionally, excise taxes are currently at 114% of anticipated, with just over two weeks remaining in the month. Building permit revenue is also at a historic level, while expenditures are also at less than anticipated due to a mild winter. This is all to say in comparison to where the Town was last year at this time, with significant uncertainty in many areas, the Town has weathered the pandemic well financially. My thanks is extended to the many department heads and front line employees for their hard work to accomplish this as a goal for fiscal year 2021.  

As we prepare to close the fiscal year and begin fiscal year 2022, the tax office will be closed at noon on June 30^th to close the books and be ready to start the new year July 1^st. 

Also on July 1^st the new short term rental zoning amendments become effective. Applications are coming in to the Code Enforcement Office, and the short term rental monitoring service in use by the Town will be sending out correspondence to those offering short term rentals in Cape Elizabeth to remind them of the requirement to have a permit to legally operate. The Town’s website currently has a lead story regarding the new regulations which links you to a new “Short Term Rental Page” on the site. The page has a link to the application, frequently asked questions, a link to applying for a homestead exemption, and other needed details for short term rentals. 

On Monday, June 21 Community Services summer camp begins, and there are approximately 185 campers attending, which is a full house. The camp will be mask optional as of June 30^th due to the recent Executive decision by Governor Mills. The camp will still strictly adhere to the cleaning and sanitizing processes established last summer. Here is hoping to a safe and fun filled summer for the campers. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Matthew E. Sturgis

Town Manager