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Lewiston council adopts FY26 municipal budget, taps $7.37 million fund balance for one‑time projects
Summary
The Lewiston City Council on May 6 approved the Fiscal Year 2026 municipal budget and a $7,374,530 appropriation from the general fund unassigned balance for capital outlays and one‑time expenses, including a $400,000 set‑aside tied to shelter operations. Councilors debated transparency, the finance committee process and limits on borrowing.
The Lewiston City Council on May 6 adopted the Fiscal Year 2026 municipal budget and approved a separate resolve authorizing $7,374,530 from the general fund unassigned fund balance for capital purchases and one‑time expenses, measures the council approved by roll call votes.
The vote included a $400,000 allocation identified in budget materials to support shelter operations; councilors and staff said the money would not be disbursed automatically but would require further agreements with any shelter operator.
The council’s finance committee delivered a recommendation to the council the same night but multiple councilors said the committee’s review came too late in the process. “It would be better for us to be able to redevelop a system…so we can make valid recommendations,” Councilor Gallant said during debate. Councilor Chittum also called for new borrowing guidelines to replace an existing ordinance that caps spending at “no more than 80% of the retired debt over the past 3 years,” saying the rule can force unnecessary reductions.
Public comment at the budget hearings focused on transparency and the effect of rising costs on residents. “This budget process is not transparent…we're going to have the public hearing before any discussion on the actual items of the budget,” said resident Matt Roy during the public hearing.
City staff and the acting deputy administrator described the budget as tightly pared. Councilors thanked staff for efforts to limit the tax increase while preserving services; the council approved the appropriation and the budget in a series of roll calls, with motions and final passage recorded on the meeting record.
Councilors and staff identified next steps for several items funded from the fund balance: departments will provide project plans; any operational disbursement (including shelter support) will require memoranda of understanding or other agreements to document deliverables and reporting. The council also directed follow‑up on proposed policy changes to how the finance committee submits recommendations and on the city’s borrowing rules.
The council completed related budget business that evening, including final budget adjustments and appropriation resolves required to implement the FY26 municipal budget.
