Lewiston council debates using fund balance, TIF for $400,000 homeless shelter request as tax-rate talks continue

Lewiston's City Council spent the bulk of a budget workshop debating whether to set a target tax rate for fiscal 2026 or instead use fund balance and other one-time resources to reduce the proposed increase.

The discussion matters because the city is currently showing a 4.06% overall tax increase (a total tax rate of $1.29 per $1,000 of assessed value) and a city-only portion of 79 cents; councilors differed on whether to draw down reserves or hold the line and revisit line items. "We're here to talk about the budget," Mayor said as the meeting resumed from an earlier executive session, and then asked colleagues how they wanted to proceed. "We're at 4.06 right now?" the mayor asked; Director Roy confirmed the figure and that it corresponds to a $1.29 total tax rate.

Councilor Gallant urged a clear, consumer-facing number rather than a percentage, saying, "I'd like to see a number, 97'¢," to help residents understand the impact on individual tax bills. Gallant also asked that $40,000 for a public-works training/garage program and support for a homeless shelter be reconsidered for restoration. Several councilors pushed back on using one-time funds for recurring operating expenses.

Councilor Nejean and…