South Portland residents will be asked yet again to approve a multi-million dollar plan to restore the city’s high school’s athletic complex.
Unlike last year’s substantially more costly proposal, next month voters will have the choice between a $4.6 million natural grass field and a $5.5 million synthetic turf field. Both projects would include a new track, new lighting and permanent bathrooms.
When voters go to the polls, they will be able to vote for one, both, or neither of these options.
If both options pass with majority support, the City of South Portland will move forward with whichever option garners the most votes.
[RELATED: South Portland Voters Reject $12.3 Million Bond for High School Athletic Stadium Complex]
Last November, South Portland voters rejected a $12.3 million for the “design, construction, and equipping of improvements to the South Portland High School athletic stadium complex.”
Despite approving a combined $4 million for maintenance and improvements at the City’s public schools, 56 percent of those who participated in the election were not supportive of the athletic complex proposal.
The rejection of this proposal came just weeks after residents throughout the City were shocked to receive significantly higher property tax bills as a result of revaluations that were conducted earlier that year.
Some residents reported seeing their property taxes spike by as much as 60 percent over the prior year, raising concerns about the ability of some — particularly senior citizens — to remain in their homes in the face of these rising costs.
[RELATED: South Portland Residents Passionately Address Property Tax Concerns at City Council Meeting]
Estimates provided by the South Portland School Department indicate that South Portland taxpayers could expect to pay an additional $19.90 to $46.44 in the first year of the twenty-year bond for the natural grass field, while it would cost between $23.45 and $54.71 for the synthetic turf bond.
In an interview with the Portland Press Herald, South Portland High School athletic director Todd Livingston explained that the debate between natural and artificial turf has been ongoing.
While supporters of a synthetic turf field have emphasized its versatility and durability, including in inclement weather, those who hope to see the City install a natural grass field have raised concerns over exposure to toxic chemicals, as well as the environmental impact and higher price tag of artificial turf.
Including interest, the natural grass turf would cost about $6.8 million over the course of twenty years, while the synthetic turf would ultimately carry a price tag of more than $8 million.
The average interest rate for either bond is expected to be 4.5 percent over the twenty-year period in which the City would be responsible for paying back these funds.
South Portland residents are able to cast their ballots and, if necessary, register to vote anytime between now and election day, November 4th.
Early voting, or in-person absentee voting, is available until the close of business on October 30.
South Portland City Hall is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:30am to 5pm and on Tuesday from 9am to 5pm.
For two Saturdays this month — October 18 and October 25 — City Hall will be open from 8am to noon for election-related business only.
City Hall will also remain open for election-related business until 7pm on Tuesday, October 28.
Those who wish to have their absentee ballots mailed to them may submit a request online or over the phone at (207) 767-3201 from now until 5pm on October 30.
In order to be counted, absentee ballots must be returned to City Hall by 8pm on election day, November 4th.
On election day, polls be open form 7am to 8pm. South Portland residents may find their polling place here.
Click Here to View South Portland’s Sample Ballot for November 2025
