LEWISTON — The city will still hold the inauguration ceremony for its elected officials at the Franco Center, but it will be a much less flowery affair.

The city will do away with special flowered boutonnieres and corsages for the swearing-in ceremony.

“I agree we are in tough fiscal times, but I think it’s an important thing to have for a city to recognize the service that we all are doing and it’s something we should continue,” said Linda Scott, Ward 1 representative on the School Committee. “If we are going to drop anything, I say boutonnieres and corsages. I certainly don’t need flowers on my lapel.”

This year’s inaugural ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 6. The ceremony has held at the Franco Center the past two times, and the center has waived rental fees each time. They can’t do that this year, and will charge the city $200.

Before, the ceremony had been held at the Lewiston Middle School auditorium, but that space is not available due to construction.

Councilors trimmed the budget for the inauguration last spring, from $1,500 to $1,000. Combined with hall rental, food, invitations, programs and flowers for all of the elected officials, Montejo said estimated costs are $1,050.

Mayor Robert Macdonald said he was fine with a small ceremony — simply swearing in city officials at Lewiston City Hall.

But the other elected officials — and especially those taking office for the first time — said the city needs the celebration.

“Lose the boutonnieres and we are good to go,” said Ward 7 Councilor-elect Mike Lachance. “For the people who are newly elected, it is an important thing for us and our friends and relatives.”

Incumbent councilors agreed as well.

“I said all along we still need to have this as an event that a lot of people can go to,” Ward 2 Councilor Donald D’Auteauil said. “If I recall, most of the Franco Center was filled, and I’m open to cutting things to keep it under budget.”

staylor@sunjournal.com

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