Lewiston City Council Budget Session #1 - 5/11/2026

The City of Lewiston, Idaho held a City Council Budget Session on May 11, 2026, focusing primarily on the FY27 budget for enterprise funds including water, wastewater, sanitation, storm water, and transportation. Public Works Director Dustin Johnson and his team presented detailed updates on capital improvement projects, financial reserves, and utility rate proposals. Key procurement-related discussions included the need for significant capital investments such as the replacement of aging water reservoirs, pipeline replacements, and storm water infrastructure projects. The council reviewed the financial health of each utility fund, the rationale behind proposed utility rate increases (notably a 5.5% increase for water), and the challenges of funding large-scale infrastructure projects given limited revenue and grant constraints. The session also covered sanitation contract cost increases and transportation capital projects funded through grants and dedicated reserves. The council was encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed rates, which will be finalized in upcoming public hearings. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were made during this session, but the discussion highlighted ongoing and planned capital improvement procurements and budget allocations.