Lewiston Council Reviews FY27 Budget, Water Rate Hike, and Waste Contract

The Lewiston City Council held a budget workshop to review the proposed FY27 budget, focusing on General Government, Public Works, and Utilities. Key topics included a recommended 10% increase in water rates, significant changes to waste collection services under a new Casella contract, and ongoing infrastructure maintenance for parking garages and water mains.

Key points

• City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath presented a 10% recommended increase in water rates, noting the last increase was in 2021, with the PUC hearing scheduled for May 19.
• Councilors discussed the new Casella waste collection contract, which increases costs to approximately $2 million, and raised concerns about enforcement of trash limits and the availability of extra carts for residents.
• Public Works reported that the Lincoln Street parking garage structural repairs are complete, and the city plans to file insurance claims for the work.
• The council reviewed the LCIP, noting that the East Avenue to Fairlawn project was removed due to MDOT delays in right-of-way acquisition for 52 properties.
• Deputy Director Bates explained that the city is using brine instead of granular salt for winter operations, which has reduced salt usage and environmental impact.
• Councilor Joshua Nagine questioned the deferred maintenance backlog on parking garages and the long-term plan for in-house paving versus outsourcing.

Next steps

• File rate case materials with the Public Utilities Commission on April 16 for the proposed water rate increase.
• Conduct a public hearing on the water rate increase on May 19.
• Follow up with Casella regarding the cost of additional carts for residents who need more than one.
• Provide statistics on annual salt usage to Councilor David Chittim.
• Schedule public meetings to discuss the new waste collection system and outreach plans.

Read the full transcript