Lewiston council debates budget cuts, approves order to secure 70 River St.

The Lewiston City Council held a budget workshop to review two competing amendments aimed at reducing the proposed tax rate to the Northeast CPI level, requiring significant position freezes and service cuts. During the session, the council also convened a special meeting to unanimously approve an order to secure a dangerous building at 70 River Street due to severe structural and health hazards.

Key points

• Two budget amendments were presented: one by Councilors Nagine and Longchamps proposing fewer position cuts but retaining police take-home vehicles, and one by Councilor Chittim proposing more position cuts but removing the take-home vehicle program.
• Department heads, including the Fire Chief and Recreation Director, testified that freezing positions would lead to increased overtime costs or significant reductions in essential services.
• Councilor Martel requested a pause in the budget workshop to address recent violent crimes in Lewiston, but Mayor Sheline declined, stating the meeting was strictly for budget purposes.
• The council unanimously voted 7-0 to adopt an order to secure the building at 70 River Street, finding it poses a serious threat to public health and safety.
• Planning and Code Enforcement Director John Connor reported that the 70 River Street property has a compromised foundation, exposed electrical wiring, and unsanitary conditions with human and pet waste.

Next steps

• The city administrator is authorized to secure the 70 River Street structure if the property owner fails to comply with the order.
• The council plans to continue the budget workshop to finalize a single budget proposal for an up-or-down vote at a future meeting.

Read the full transcript