"As rising costs put pressure on Rockland households, we must take a thoughtful look at how we fund our city," said Rockland City Councilor Nicole Kalloch, in a news release.

Kalloch is proposing an Order to create a Rockland Revenue Commission, which would provide a structured way for the public to review revenue options, offer input, and support the city in evaluating approaches for future budgets, according to Kalloch.

This proposal is being incorporated into an agenda item in time for the Dec. 8, 2025 regular session of Rockland City Council.

"This Commission supports the City Manager’s leadership and builds on the excellent analysis city staff bring to the budget process, ensuring they have the tools and public input needed to explore new revenue options and consider new strategies," said Kalloch. "This is a step toward long-term affordability and fiscal stability."

CITY OF ROCKLAND, MAINE

IN CITY COUNCIL

December 8, 2025

ORDER Directing the City Manager to Establish a Revenue Commission to help guide revenue opportunities and budgetary strategies in the City of Rockland.

WHEREAS, following the City’s recent property revaluation, many city residents have experienced significant increases in property taxes, heightening concerns about the City’s dependence on the property tax as its primary source of revenue; and

WHEREAS, the City of Rockland continues to face increasing concerns around affordability, as housing costs, utilities, and local taxes rise faster than incomes for many residents (especially those on fixed incomes), placing pressure on household budgets and threatening the long-term cost of living and economic diversity in the City; and

WHEREAS, the City of Rockland seeks to reduce the burden on property taxpayers by identifying fair, sustainable, and diversified revenue strategies to support essential municipal services; and

WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that ensuring the City's long-term fiscal stability requires proactive transparent planning that engages the public in evaluating new and existing revenue options, and incorporates data-driven recommendations; and

WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to establish a formal commission to analyze existing revenue structures and identify new revenue opportunities for the City to strengthen its fiscal position prior to the completion of the FY2027 budget process;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, by the Rockland City Council, that the City Manager is directed to:

1. Establish a Revenue Commission ("the Commission") for the purposes of identifying and recommending strategies to diversify and strengthen the City's revenue base and reduce the over reliance on the property tax base. The City Manager shall:

 Initiate the formation of the Commission no later than January 15, 2026;

 Provide staff support through the Finance Department and other departments as needed;

 Ensure that the Commission’s work and meetings are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and public access requirements.  Ensure that the Commission present its findings and recommendations to the City Council no later than April 15, 2026, for consideration during the FY2027 budget deliberations. 

2. Commission Composition - The Commission shall be established by the City Manager and consist of:

 At least one member of the City Council;

 One representative from the Rockland business community;

 One resident with experience in municipal finance, economics, or budgeting

 One representative from Rockland Main Street

 One representative from the nonprofit or housing sector;

 One resident-at-large;

 Other members as deemed appropriate by the City Manager to ensure broad community representation.

 The City Manager and Finance Director shall serve in an ex officio capacity, providing administrative and technical support.

3. Commission duties - The Commission shall:

 Review the City’s existing revenue sources and assess trends in property tax reliance over the past five years;

 Consider the fiscal impacts of the 2024–25 property revaluation, and explore measures to mitigate disproportionate burdens on taxpayers;

 Review with staff input, the City's existing revenue sources, fee schedules, licenses, and cost-recovery practices for fairness and adequacy;

 Identify opportunities for new or enhanced local revenues, including service fees, impact fees, and economic development revenues;  Benchmark Rockland’s revenue mix and fiscal policies against comparable Maine municipalities;

 Solicit input from the public and key stakeholders to ensure transparency and community alignment; and

 Provide actionable recommendations with clear fiscal and administrative impacts

4. Meetings and Process:

 The Commission shall hold its first meeting no later than January 15, 2026, and elect a chair and vice-chair.

 The Commission shall meet at least monthly until its report is completed

 All meetings shall be open to the public and noticed in accordance with open meetings rules.

 The Commission may establish subcommittees or working groups as needed to examine specific topics.

 The City Manager may provide resources for expert analysis.

5. Deliverables: The Commission shall submit a final written report of recommendations to City Council by April 15, 2026, including but not limited to:

 A summary of findings;

 Specific recommendations for new or revised revenue measures;

 Estimate fiscal and administrative impacts; and

 Recommendations for future monitoring, community engagement, of further study for future fiscal years.

6. Sunset - The Commission shall dissolve 60 days after submission of its final report, unless extended by a vote of the City Council

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that the City Manager shall take all necessary actions to implement this order in a timely and transparent manner and shall ensure the process aligns with Rockland’s Comprehensive Plan.