Public budget forum slated for Jan. 21, 2009 Town Council and School Board seek direction from public on priorties for services, ideas for revenue enhancement, proper level of property taxes

School Board letter opposes funding curtailment, distribution formula Letter, sent directly to governor and state officials, questions across-the-board cuts to education funding, specifically objects to weighted formula for allocating statewide curtailment

Town Web site begins publishing citizen correspondence Comment on public issues sent to Town Council, appointed boards will be available for online review

Special election Jan. 27, 2009 will fill unexpired Town Council, Portland Water District terms Absentee voting begins Dec. 29, 2008. See story for information, link to absentee ballot request form

Community Services to greet New Year with lottery draw for youth-class registration times Registration for youth, AfterSchool Enrichment programs will be held Monday, Jan. 12. Call, e-mail, or stop by Community Services to draw a registration time. See story for contact information, link to winter/spring brochure

Public Works begins collecting ice storm debris at curbside Residents advised to put debris out as quickly as they can. Pickup has begun at the town-center end of Shore Road, and crews will collect as best they can before trucks are needed for the next winter storm. Fees for residents bringing debris to the Recycling Center will be waived until further notice.

Proposed reduction in recycling-center hours set for Jan. 12 public hearing Recommendation is just one from a recycling working group intended to reduce costs and enhance town's recycling efforts

Overnight parking ban in effect Dec. 1-April 1 No vehicle shall be parked on a Cape Elizabeth road between 1 and 5 a.m.

School begins enrollment planning early Pond Cove School taking kindergarten registration now for 2009-10 school year. Parents of children who will be 5 by Oct. 15, 2009, are asked to contact the school

Updated January 8, 2009