Met: Tuesday night

Issue: According to state rules, school committees must get their final budget and spending plan approved by taxpayers. The Lewiston School Committee adopted its budget Monday; it calls for $15 million in property taxes and a $1 million refund to the municipal government.

Up next: Councilors agreed to schedule the budget referendum for May 5.

Issue: The city receives federal block grant money to help pay for community services and development particularly aimed at reducing poverty downtown. Councilors must adopt a spending plan for that money each spring.

Up next: Councilors will host a public hearing of their latest block grant spending plan on May 5 during their regularly scheduled council meeting. That budget is due to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by May 15.

Issue: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency shares proceeds from drug busts with the other police agencies involved in investigations. In Lewiston’s case, the money is put into a special account to help pay for drug-enforcement actions.

The scoop: Councilors on Tuesday accepted proceeds from three drug arrests, claiming a share of $85,192 in seizures.

Issue: Local restaurants and bars must reapply for liquor licenses and amusement permits each year. Liquor licenses let them serve alcohol; amusement permits let them play music, have a DJ or karaoke, or have games on site.

The scoop: Councilors approved a new liquor license for Mother India Inc., 114 Lisbon St. They approved special amusement permits for Warden’s Bar and Grill, 703 Sabattus St., and Del’s Bar and Grill, 43 Walnut St.

Contact government reporter Scott Taylor via phone at 689-2846 or via E-mail at [email protected]