Lewiston Council Adopts School Budget, Approves Property Sales Amid Heated Public Comment

The Lewiston City Council approved the fiscal year 2027 school budget and authorized the sale of two city-owned properties during a meeting marked by intense public debate over community safety and leadership. Following a workshop on Freedom of Access Act compliance, the council voted unanimously to adopt the school budget, which represents a 3.37% increase in the mill rate for a median home. Public commenters expressed strong dissatisfaction with the council's handling of downtown violence, the status of funds raised for mass shooting survivors, and the conduct of specific council members.

Key points

• The council voted 7-0 to accept the minutes from the May 19 meeting, incorporating corrections regarding speaker identification and absentee ballot comments.
• The council approved the disposition of 68 Jones Avenue and 17 White Avenue, both of which were previously unbuildable parcels that will now support single-family housing.
• The fiscal year 2027 Lewiston School Department budget was adopted, with a local ask of $32.8 million and a mill rate increase of 3.37% for a $150,000 home.
• Public commenters criticized the council for perceived inaction on downtown violence and called for the resignation of Councillor Chrissy Noble following her social media posts.
• A survivor of the October 2023 mass shooting demanded an accounting of the remaining $1.9 million raised for victims, noting that some council members had not responded to her written requests.
• The council removed the disposition of 43 Crowley Road from the agenda at staff request to allow for further review.

Next steps

• The Lewiston School Department will hold a graduation ceremony for the class of 2026 on June 5 at 6:30 p.m.
• The primary election and school budget referendum are scheduled for June 9, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• City Assessor Bill Hill will host a public information session on the revaluation process on June 23 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Senior Center.
• The Martel Project ribbon-cutting is scheduled for July 16 at 10:30 a.m.

Read the full transcript