Lewiston council approves FY2025 adjustments and allocates $528,000 surplus to streets, restrooms and public works building

The Lewiston City Council voted Nov. 18 to approve final adjustments to its fiscal year 2025 budget and to allocate portions of an unanticipated year-end surplus.

At the meeting, an unidentified council member reported the city ended FY2025 with “ballpark $528,000 of net income of income revenue over expenses,” and told the council state law requires the city to allocate those funds so no single budget is over-expended. The council approved multiple line-item additions to balance prior-year accounts, including small increases for the recorder, fire department and a variety of community events.

Council members asked for more detail on some items. One councilor asked specifically about parade spending after the budget listed a $3,000 parade line; the council agreed staff would provide a breakdown.

For the surplus, the council approved the proposed allocations: $13,000 for emergency services, $80,000 for street chip-and-seal work, $35,000 for a new restroom by the pickleball courts using RAPS tax money, and $400,000 to finish the Public Works building. The motion to approve the FY2025 budget adjustments was moved by an unnamed member and carried unanimously on roll call (Fizz — yes; John — yes; Ned — yes; Brooke — yes; Jana — yes).

Council members also discussed future budget pressures, noting bids for water-system and road work that could increase costs going forward. One councilor recommended that cemetery fees be reviewed during the next master-fee-schedule update so the cemetery could be self-sustaining.

The council said it would request follow-up documentation where questions were raised and include the agreed FY2025 changes in the city’s financial records. The council then moved on to other items on the agenda.