Lewiston Council debates budget cuts, police staffing, and revaluation concerns

The Lewiston City Council held a budget workshop and regular meeting where they discussed potential hiring freezes in public safety and public works to address budget shortfalls. Public comment was dominated by strong opposition to the recent property revaluation, with residents demanding a phased-in approach to avoid sudden tax spikes. The council also began the final public hearing for the FY 2027 municipal budget and the school department budget.

Key points

• Councilors discussed freezing up to three police officer positions and two firefighter positions to save money, though the Fire Chief warned that freezing positions could increase overtime costs due to contractual staffing requirements.
• Council President David B. Chittim clarified that the city must keep the tax levy increase at or below 3.251% to avoid requiring a supermajority vote under the city charter.
• Public commenters expressed significant frustration with the property revaluation, citing tax increases of up to 100% and requesting that the city phase in the new assessments over several years.
• The council approved the consent agenda, which included authorizing the city administrator to execute a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Council 93.
• The school department presented a budget with an 8.06% increase, noting 26 net position reductions and significant cost drivers such as increased power and workers' compensation rates.

Next steps

• The city administrator will provide a breakdown of park maintenance costs to the council.
• The Fire Chief will conduct a financial analysis to determine if freezing firefighter positions actually saves money when accounting for overtime.
• The city will hold public sessions on May 11 and May 18 at the Lewiston Armory for residents to discuss revaluation assessments.
• The council will consider a workshop on Tuesday, May 12, to review budget amendments before the regular meeting on Thursday, May 14.

Read the full transcript