Lewiston Council reviews take-home police vehicle proposal, begins Ward 5 appointment process

The Lewiston City Council held a workshop to review a proposal to transition the police fleet to a take-home vehicle model, aiming to improve recruitment and long-term cost efficiency. Following the presentation, the council entered executive session before returning to the regular agenda to begin the process of appointing a new Ward 5 councilor. Five candidates addressed the council, with deliberations and voting scheduled to continue after public comment.

Key points

• City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath and Chief of Police Carly Conley presented a proposal to purchase 65 take-home vehicles for sworn officers, estimating a net capital cost increase of $520,000 over seven years but projecting long-term savings and improved recruitment.
• Councilors raised questions regarding the upfront cost, the potential to phase the program over multiple years, and whether the mileage cost comparisons in the proposal accounted for local commute distances.
• The council voted to enter executive session to discuss the acquisition or disposition of real estate, citing the need to protect the city's competitive bargaining position.
• Public commenters raised concerns about government transparency, the allocation of victim fund money to NGOs, and the politicization of community organizations, while others expressed support for the current administration's efforts.
• The council began the appointment process for the Ward 5 vacancy, with five candidates (Adam Buckley, Nicole Johnson, Kiernan and Majerus Collins, Chrissy Noble, and Rin Sol) presenting their qualifications and answering questions from councilors.
• Councilor Bret Martel questioned candidate Kiernan and Majerus Collins about a video circulating online regarding his behavior at a former candidate's residence, which Collins denied.

Next steps

• The council will continue the Ward 5 appointment process, including public comment and a final vote to select a candidate.
• Staff will continue the FY 27 budget process, with departmental budget requests due by January 15 and a proposed budget to be presented in March.
• The city will distribute inserts explaining the revaluation process with upcoming property tax and water/sewer bills.

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