Lewiston City Council Meeting - May 19, 2026

The Lewiston City Council met on May 19, 2026, to address a full agenda including final approval of the municipal budget, a presentation on the revised school budget, public hearings on water rate and stormwater fee increases, and appointments to the newly created Public Safety Committee. The meeting featured extensive public comment on crime, taxes, and city services, and included several votes on budget amendments and other items.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the following items by a 7-0 vote:

• Dispositions of 11 properties (12 Fair Street, 11 King Avenue, 89 Acadia Avenue, 1 James Avenue, 23 Sand Hill Road, 17 White Avenue, 9 Series Avenue, 22 Johnson Street, 67 Oak Street, and others).
• Continuation of a public hearing for zoning amendment to the No Name Pond Conservation Overlay District.
• Authorization for a grant application for a climate vulnerability assessment from the Community Resilience Program.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matthew Agrin (Ward 4) expressed concern about delays in the Martell School senior housing project and called for community action to curb violence, urging prosecution of firearm crimes and involving the Office of Child and Family Services. He also recognized National Foster Care Awareness Month.
• Fred Sandborn Silvers (Ward 6) called for a committee of law enforcement, judicial, school officials, parents, and citizens to address violence, and criticized needle exchange programs as ineffective.
• Jennifer Carrero (Ward 7) argued that tax increment financing (TIF) programs have prioritized housing over commercial expansion, shifting tax burden to homeowners. She demanded a transparent review of TIF outcomes, the Tyler contract, and the impact of subsidized housing on municipal services.
• Ronnie Parity (Ward 6) emphasized the need for communication among city leadership, schools, police, and the Justice Department to address youth violence. He criticized the mayor's appointment process, requested striking the rule limiting public comment to residents, and noted a 44% decrease in jail bookings since ICE operations began, urging rescission of the resolution limiting cooperation with ICE. He also suggested councilors forgo their stipends to ease the budget burden.
• Lisa Jones (Ward 2) said people are leaving the community due to safety and rising costs, and criticized the mayor's lack of response to violence. She cited 21 instances of gunfire in Lewiston in 2026 and projected 60 by year-end if trends continue.
• Rosie Boyce (Ward 2) urged accountable and collaborative leadership, noting that public safety and public health are interconnected. She expressed interest in serving on the Public Safety Committee or Public Health Committee, citing her lived and professional experience.
• Louise Sampson (Ward 5) provided an update on the Martell School senior housing project, stating that construction closing is expected July 1, 2026, with shovels in the ground soon. She expressed frustration with delays and concerns about unit size (545 square feet).
• Bob McDonald (Ward 6) criticized the council for not enforcing all laws, particularly regarding ICE, and argued that welfare and homeless services strain city resources.
• Crystal Ward (Ward 2) complained about Consolidated Communications' failure to remove old telephone poles, stating that the city looks like a "third world nation" and that her emails to city officials went unanswered.
• Elizabeth Eames (Ward 3) praised the new mural going up at the corner of Ash and Lisbon Streets.

Discussion Items

• School Budget Presentation (FY2027): Superintendent Jake Langless presented the revised school budget after the May 12, 2026 referendum failed (1,092 yes, 1,463 no). The school committee adopted $1.169 million in additional reductions the previous night, bringing total cuts to $3.37 million and affecting approximately 30 positions, including cuts to special education, a multilingual coach, and a student services position at the Lewiston Regional Technical Center (LRTC). The proposed local funding is $32,885,176, a 4.35% increase, with a mill rate increase from 13.61 to 14.07 (46 cents, or $68.85 for a $150,000 home). Councilors expressed concern about cuts to special education and LRTC, while some called for more administrative cuts. Public commenters supported the budget but urged better communication about state funding.
• Municipal Budget Final Adjustments (Item 17): The council debated amendments to the FY2027 municipal budget. Councilor Longchamps proposed adding the MIS director position back and eliminating the Economic Development Director position, while reorganizing the third floor (planning, code, MIS, assessing, economic development). After discussion, the amendment passed 5-2 (Councilors Longchamps, Nagine, Martell, Roy, Harriman in favor; Councilors Chitham and Noble against). Councilor Nagine then moved to remove $576 for council snacks, which passed 6-1 (Councilor Noble opposed). The final budget resolution passed 5-2 (Councilors Longchamps, Nagine, Martell, Harriman, Roy in favor; Councilors Chitham and Noble against).
• Water Rate Increase (Item 20): A public hearing was held on a proposed 10% water rate increase, the first since 2021. Director Gagnier explained the increase is needed to cover operational costs and infrastructure maintenance. Several public commenters opposed the increase, citing economic strain. Councilor Longchamps suggested a smaller, annual increase. The council voted 5-2 to approve the increase (Councilors Longchamps, Nagine, Martell, Harriman, Roy in favor; Councilors Chitham and Noble against).
• Stormwater Service Fee Increase (Item 21): The council approved a stormwater fee increase by a 5-2 vote (same split).
• Appropriations for Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Budgets (Item 22): Approved by a 6-1 vote (Councilor Noble against).
• Public Safety Committee Appointments (Item 23): Mayor McDonald nominated a slate of members for the new Public Safety Committee. Several councilors objected to the process, noting they had no input on the nominees. After debate, the motion to approve the slate passed 5-2 (Councilors Longchamps, Nagine, Martell, Harriman, Roy in favor; Councilors Chitham and Noble against).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• School Budget: No council action required; presentation only. The school budget will be on the June 9, 2026 referendum; early voting does not include the school budget.
• Municipal Budget (FY2027): Adopted with amendments (5-2). The budget includes a 3.2% increase in the tax levy, restoration of the MIS director position, elimination of the Economic Development Director position, and reorganization of the third floor. Council snacks funding removed.
• Water Rate Increase: Approved (5-2) at 10%, effective subject to PUC approval.
• Stormwater Fee Increase: Approved (5-2).
• Water, Sewer, Stormwater Appropriations: Approved (6-1).
• Public Safety Committee: Appointments approved (5-2).
• Next Steps: The council will consider the Capital Improvement Plan at the June 2, 2026 meeting. Councilor Martell indicated intent to bring a censure resolution for a future agenda.