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School committee urges city to consider phasing revaluation as budget and referendum deadlines approach

Lewiston School Committee · March 26, 2026

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Summary

Committee members raised concern that the municipal revaluation—due to be mailed to property owners—could hit voters before the school budget referendum, creating potentially large tax bill shifts; members asked the superintendent to research options and suggested sending a letter to the city council.

Several school committee members said the City of Lewiston’s long‑overdue property revaluation could produce unpredictable tax impacts for voters who will decide the school budget in May. Members argued that without sample valuations or phased implementation, households could face significant tax changes at the same time they are voting on the school budget.

Multiple members urged the committee to weigh in with the city council and assessor, with one member asking whether phasing the revaluation over several years might soften the immediate impact on homeowners and renters. Superintendent Jake Langley offered to research statutory or charter levers and to report back; members tentatively agreed to prepare a letter to the council accompanying the school committee’s budget submission.

Committee members also asked for clarity on timing: the administration confirmed the city presentation is scheduled in April and the city council’s final vote on the budget is currently slated for May 5, giving the committee a narrow window to assemble scenarios and outreach. Councilor Scott Herriman and others noted that although a revaluation is intended to be revenue neutral overall, it redistributes tax burdens across property owners and can create sudden increases for particular households.

What’s next: The committee directed the superintendent to brief members on legal and charter options for adjusting referendum timing or seeking phased implementation and discussed drafting a communication to the city council before its review.