Biddeford Fire Chief Joseph Warren and Police Chief Roger Beaupre said they have received inquiries and complaints during the past week about donations solicitations.

Residents have reported receiving calls from someone collecting donations on behalf of the Biddeford Fire Department. Beaupre and Warren are warning residents the department is not soliciting donations and has not hired anyone to collect donations.

Anyone who received a call asking for donations for the department should not provide any personal information, including name, address or financial information. If contacted, residents should try to get the phone number of the caller through caller ID or by asking for a company name and telephone number, according to Beaupre and Warren.

To report suspicious phone calls or for more information, call the police department at 282-5127.

Saco approves new budget

The Saco City Council approved the fiscal year 2010-2011 budget Monday night.

The $19.9 million municipal budget will not raise tax bills and avoids layoffs. Councilors Leslie Smith Jr. and Arthur Tardif voted against the budget.

City Administrator Richard Michaud has said the “status quo” budget maintains city services but gives up the capital improvements program. The budget draws $1.4 million from the general fund balance.

The approved budget is an increase of 5.9 percent over the fiscal year 2009-2010 budget. The increase is offset by a projected 10.4 percent increase in municipal revenue. The city projects a 28 percent increase in excise taxes, largely from Enterprise Rent-A-Car registering vehicles in the city. The budget also includes a sewer rate increase from $3.60 to $4.25.

Murder trial starts June 14

The jury trial of Darlene George and Jeffrey Williams is scheduled to begin June 14 in York County Superior Court.

George and Williams are accused of murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the June 2008 death of Winston George in Old Orchard Beach. Darlene George was married to Winston George and Jeffrey Williams is her brother. They face 25 years to life in prison on the murder charges.

Assistant Attorney General Bill Stokes said Justice G. Arthur Brennan recently ruled George and Williams will be tried together. Stokes said he requested that because a joint trail for co-defendants is more efficient. He expects the trial to last more than a week.

Winston George’s death was reported to Old Orchard Beach police in the early morning hours of June 20. Darlene George told police two unknown men broke into her Smithwheel Road house the previous evening, tied up her and her son and demanded money and drugs, according to court records.

Police and prosecutors have said Darlene George staged the home invasion and conspired with Williams and Rennie Cassimy to kill Winston George. Darlene George and Cassimy were involved in a romantic relationship, according to court records.

Cassimy pleaded guilty in January to one charge of conspiracy to commit murder. He was sentenced to 20 years in jail with all but eight years suspended, followed by four years probation. Stokes said Cassimy is included on the state’s witness list.

Saco appoints new fire chief

The Saco City Council unanimously approved the appointment of John Duross as fire chief effective July 1.

Current Fire Chief Alden Murphy has resigned effective July 1. Duross, currently one of two deputy fire chiefs, has been a full-time department employee since 1987. He moved up through the department and has been a firefighter, emergency medical technician and shift captain. He has been deputy chief since 1995.

“During his 29 years of service with the fire department, and since his last 15 years as deputy fire chief, John has selflessly protected and served our community at any hour of the day or night, and as fire chief he will continue to serve the city well,” City Administrator Richard Michaud wrote to city councilors.

Michaud said the open position was posted as an in-house advertisement and attracted two candidates.

– Compiled by Staff Writer Gillian Graham