Lewiston City reviews FY2026 personnel costs, internal service fund rate requests and rising insurance costs

Lewiston City officials used a May 12 special budget work session to present early estimates for the fiscal year 2026 budget, focusing on personnel costs, internal service fund rate requests for fleet and information systems and security (ISS), the status of the workers' compensation fund, and rising insurance premiums.

Amy Gordon, city treasurer and finance director, told the council the presentations were an initial look and that staff are “continuously working on the budget between now and up until we present that final work session with counsel at the June.” Gordon said payroll totals were still being calculated and that staff expect to return in June with firmer figures and a recommendation on property-tax funding options.

The work session matters because decisions about personnel costs, internal service rates and insurance premiums affect department operating budgets, utility and internal charges to other funds, and — ultimately — the property-tax and fee decisions the council must make in June.

Personnel and benefits Nikki Provence, human resources director, presented data on the city’s workforce and personnel-cost drivers. Provence said “personnel do make up a large portion of the budget,” and noted the city currently counts 329 employees (full- and part-time, excluding seasonal employees). Provence reported an uptick in turnover in 2024 and said 80 employees are at maximum pay step across the represented and nonrepresented groups.

Staff said…