2026 budget discussions continue in Town of Lewiston

Projected tax declines seen in some areas

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

Budget discussions continue for the Town of Lewiston, where a potential cut in property taxes is being considered.

Town of Lewiston Budget/Finance Director Jacqueline Agnello presented the 2026 tentative budget for review at the board’s Sept. 22 regular meeting. The $22,397,541 plan reflects $15,042,831 in appropriations and $7,354,710 in special districts spending, with $3,904,825 to be raised by property taxes, and projected declines seen in some areas.

Broken down by fund category, the $15.04 million appropriations total finds: A, Lewiston general, $3,347,764 in appropriations and $303,113 (amount raised by taxes, with a projected tax rate AV down 4.97%); B, Lewiston general outside village, $4,447,378 and $0 (raised by taxes); DB, highway drainage-town outside village, $4,646,494 and $101,948 (raised by taxes, with a projected tax rate AV down 2.55%); and SS1, Water Pollution Control Center, $2,602,195 and $0 (raised by taxes).

In its tax determinations under this listing, the town utilized $14,023,869 in estimated revenues from four categories and $613,901 in appropriated fund balance in the A and B account titles. As such, the town listed a total of $405,061 to be raised by taxes.

In special districts spending, it finds: S10, French Landing drainage, $5,350 (appropriations) and $5,350 (raised by taxes, with a projected tax rate AV down 3.57%); SF, fire protection, $1,814,197 and $1,777,560 (raised by taxes); SL, Lewiston heights-gas, $12,000 and $12,000 (raised by taxes); SR refuse-Lewiston outside village, $474,240 and $462,240 (raised by taxes), SS2, Lewiston MSIA, $184,786 and $60,225 (raised by taxes); and SW1, Lewiston water improvement, $3,103,536 and $972,159 (raised by taxes, with a projected tax rate AV down 0.43%).

Here, the town utilized $17,841,815 in total estimated revenues (from four accounts) and $650,901 in appropriated fund balance (from two accounts). As such, the town listed $3,499,764 to be raised by taxes.

Also factored in are salaries for the town’s elected officials. Included are highway superintendent, $82,982; town clerk, $72,393; supervisor, $35,000; town justices (two), $32,397; and town council members (four), $16,383.

More details on the budget can be found at www.townoflewiston.us under the “Budget” heading.

•With the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day holiday observed Monday, the Town Board was expected to meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at Town Hall. Expected for discussion were the results of Wednesday’s special town election on a fire company member benefits package; smoke testing at the Water Pollution Control Center; a fire protection services agreement; and further reviews of the 2026 tentative budget.