Lewiston City Council Meeting - 8/17/2026

The City of Lewiston, Idaho City Council held a special meeting on August 17, 2026, primarily focused on budget discussions and property tax concerns. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comments expressing strong opposition to a proposed 4% property tax increase, citing the high tax burden on residents, especially retirees and fixed-income households. Citizens urged the council to prioritize essential services such as police, fire, and infrastructure maintenance over non-essential projects like gym floor replacements and parks. The council discussed reallocating funds within the budget, including a $20,000 allocation to the police department for towing and disposing of unlawfully parked RVs, funded by reducing contingency funds. The council approved amendments to the 2027 annual appropriation ordinance and the tax certification ordinance, maintaining a 0% property tax increase while adjusting budget allocations to accommodate a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees and other priorities. The meeting highlighted challenges in staffing, budget constraints, and the need for economic growth to broaden the tax base.