Lewiston Council debates budget cuts, school funding, and public safety

The Lewiston City Council held a contentious session focused on the fiscal year 2027 municipal and school budgets, with significant public outcry over proposed staff reductions and rising property taxes. Councilors debated an amendment to retain the MIS director while eliminating the economic development director position, while the school superintendent presented a revised budget following a failed referendum. Public comment was dominated by concerns over community violence, the status of the Martel senior housing project, and the impact of revaluation on homeowners.

Key points

• Council approved the consent agenda, including the disposition of multiple real estate properties and a zoning amendment for the No-Name Pond conservation overlay district.
• Superintendent Jake Langless presented a revised FY 2027 school budget with $1.169 million in additional cuts, bringing the local tax increase to 4.35 percent, following a 1,463 to 1,092 vote against the previous proposal.
• Councilor Susan Longchamps proposed an amendment to restore the MIS director position and eliminate the economic development director, a move opposed by Councilors Bret Martel and David Chittim who argued for preserving economic development leadership.
• Public commenters raised urgent concerns about youth violence and gun safety, with several residents calling for a community-wide response involving police, schools, and social services.
• Residents expressed frustration over delays in the Martel senior housing project, with the City Administrator confirming a ribbon cutting is scheduled for July 16, 2026.
• Councilor Joshua Nagine noted that the school committee voted 8-1 to approve the revised budget, with the dissenting member citing concerns over special education and multilingual support cuts.

Next steps

• The City Council is expected to adopt the revised school budget on June 2, 2026, for inclusion in the June 9 primary election referendum.
• A public session on the revaluation process is scheduled for June 23, 2026, at the Armory.
• The City Administrator will work with the council to finalize the municipal budget adjustments, including the potential reorganization of the economic development department.

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