Lewiston council reviews police and fire budgets, debates take-home cars and fire station timing

The Lewiston City Council held a budget workshop to review the proposed police and fire department budgets, which include significant increases for personnel, vehicle programs, and infrastructure. Councilors questioned the cost-benefit of a new take-home vehicle program for police and the timing of a $7 million fire station replacement, with some expressing concern over the fiscal impact on residents.

Key points

• The police budget shows a 7.5% increase, driven largely by a proposed take-home vehicle program for 65 officers and increased costs for gas and repairs.
• Councilor Chittim raised concerns about the $70,000 annual cost of Flock license plate reader cameras, noting that the department is negotiating to reduce the price to approximately $40,000.
• Councilor Longchamps suggested a compromise on the take-home vehicle program, proposing to fund only half of the requested vehicles if the full amount is not feasible.
• The fire budget includes a 12% increase, with a major component being the $7.7 million Lisbon Street fire station replacement project funded partly by a federal HUD grant.
• Councilor Chittim questioned whether a one-year delay in the fire station project is viable to mitigate tax increases, noting that the federal grant requires completion by September 2031.
• The department is currently 15 officers short, with three known retirements expected this summer, which councilors linked to the need for recruitment incentives like take-home vehicles.

Next steps

• Chief Conley will provide a report on the benefits and usage of Flock cameras, including the limitations Lewiston has placed on the system.
• The city administration will provide data on how many police officers live in Lewiston versus outside the city.
• The council will review intergovernmental, 9-1-1, transit, social services, library, debt, and planning budgets at the next workshop on March 26.

Read the full transcript