Lewiston officials review narrow May bond loss, plan renewed campaign and outreach

Lewiston — City staff and their bond consultant reviewed results and lessons from the May Main Street bond election on Aug. 4 and recommended more time and targeted outreach before asking voters again.

Public Works Director Dustin Johnson told the Lewiston City Council that the May bond received almost 62% support but fell short of the two-thirds (66.7%) supermajority required. “We needed a super majority. We came about a 150 vote short,” Johnson said during the work session.

The council heard a summary from Christine Stoll of Clearwater Financial, who led the post-election survey and outreach review. Stoll said the city had high, concentrated support in many precincts but low overall turnout — about 18% in May — and that lower turnout and confusion about required disclosure language contributed to the shortfall. “You had 60 almost 62% in favor. You needed 66.7%,” Stoll said, summarizing the vote counts.

Why it matters: The Main Street package combines water, sewer and stormwater work with associated surface improvements downtown. The city faces near-term pipe failures and has limited ARPA and local funds; failing to complete the comprehensive project would mean repeated street digs and higher cumulative disruption and cost.

What the consultant reported: Stoll…