Lewiston City Council approves budget while addressing tax burden concerns

The Lewiston City Council convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary issues, including the approval of the fiscal year 2026 budget for the Lewiston School Department. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding rising taxes and the challenges of maintaining city services amid a stagnant tax base.

Council members expressed their commitment to easing the financial burden on taxpayers, particularly those struggling with back taxes. Discussions centered on the need for clearer communication about payment plans and the requirements under state law. The finance department reassured that they work with individuals to create manageable payment plans, although they must file liens if taxes remain unpaid after 18 months.

Councilor Neillane raised concerns from residents about continuous tax increases, emphasizing the difficulty of providing the same level of services without a growing tax base. He acknowledged the challenges of delivering a net-neutral budget, stating that cuts to services would be necessary to avoid tax increases, which he deemed unrealistic given rising costs.

Councilor Chittum echoed these sentiments, noting that maintaining essential services like snow removal and garbage collection inevitably leads to increased costs. He thanked the acting city administrator for efforts to keep the budget increase as low as possible.

Councilor Gallant pointed out the long-standing issue of outdated property evaluations, suggesting that regular assessments could have mitigated the current tax situation. He emphasized the need for adjustments to align taxes with property values to prevent future budgetary crises.

The council ultimately approved the budget with a unanimous vote of 7-0, reflecting a collective understanding of the financial realities facing the city. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing taxpayer concerns while ensuring the sustainability of city services.