The City Council of Bangor, Maine, convened on August 12, 2025, for a workshop focused on finalizing a ballot question for the upcoming November election. The meeting began with Councilor Fournier prompting discussions about the council's goals and the necessity of drafting a clear ballot question for voters.

The primary agenda item was to determine whether to proceed with the process of finalizing the ballot question. The council emphasized the importance of early preparation to ensure adequate voter education regarding the implications for taxpayers. The language presented during the meeting was described as placeholder text, with plans for a final reading scheduled for August 25.

Councilor Fournier raised concerns about the costs associated with the proposed measures, noting that specific cost savings from potential cuts were still unclear. The discussion highlighted the need for further financial analysis, which was suggested to be referred to the finance committee for review.

City Solicitor Dave Sefczyk addressed a potential conflict of interest raised by Councilor Fournier, indicating that a vote should be held to clarify the situation.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to transparency and thoroughness in preparing for the ballot question, with a focus on ensuring that all relevant financial details are available before the final decision is made. The council plans to reconvene on August 25 to finalize the language and address any outstanding concerns.