Lewiston Council reviews $35M school budget, approves busking festival permits

The Lewiston City Council held a budget workshop where the school superintendent presented a proposed $35.4 million budget, highlighting significant cost increases in special education, transportation, and utilities. Following the presentation, the council approved permits for the upcoming Lewiston Live Busking Festival and authorized the application for federal justice grants. The meeting also featured public comment on various local issues, including the school funding formula and recent flooding incidents.

Key points

• Superintendent presented a proposed school budget of $35.4 million, noting a $3.9 million local increase driven by special education, transportation, and utility costs.
• Council approved a public hearing and permit for outdoor music concerts for the Lewiston Live Busking Festival on May 1, 8, and 15.
• Council voted 7-0 to approve the consent agenda, including the election warrant for the May 12 school budget referendum.
• Public commenters raised concerns about the school funding formula, the allocation of shooting victim funds, and a recent flooding incident on Diamond Court.
• Council voted 5-2 to reconsider a previous unanimous vote to set a 10 p.m. meeting ending time, allowing for further discussion and amendment.

Next steps

• School committee to return to the council on May 5 for budget approval prior to the May 12 referendum.
• City to hold additional revaluation public events on May 11 and May 18 at the Lewiston Armory Senior Center.
• Council to continue discussion on the amendment to the rules governing city council meeting times at the next meeting.

Read the full transcript