Lewiston City Council Budget Workshop & City Council Meeting 5/5/26

The City of Lewiston, Maine, held a City Council Budget Workshop and City Council Meeting on May 5, 2026, focusing extensively on the municipal and school budgets for fiscal year 2027. Key procurement-related discussions included deliberations on budget amendments, hiring freezes, and staffing levels across departments such as police, fire, public works, and schools, with attention to potential cost savings and impacts on overtime expenses. The council also approved several outdoor entertainment permits and zoning amendments. Additionally, the council adopted the fiscal year 2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget and the HOME budget, along with a five-year consolidated plan for CDBG funding, all to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Votes were taken to approve these budgets and permits, with motions passing unanimously. Public comments highlighted concerns about tax increases, property revaluations, and public safety funding. The meeting concluded with motions to enter executive sessions to discuss economic development and personnel matters.