LEWISTON — Shouts of “no taxation without representation” filled the intersection of Pine and Park streets Tuesday evening as dozens of residents gathered outside City Hall. 

Residents were calling on councilors to further cut a proposed $58.88 million city budget while airing concerns about Lewiston’s first property revaluation in 38 years and a $129.71 million school budget.

As costs rise and residents review new property valuations that don’t take effect until next year, several people rallying outside the 27 Pine St. building said they want their councilors to consider even more cuts.

Lewiston resident Tom Morin, who organized the event, said his new property value from the city came in about $80,000 more than an assessment carried out two months ago. Others shared that theirs have doubled, even quadrupled, while some said their assessments were more favorable.

Despite the revaluation’s implementation being delayed a year, the city has much to answer for in this year’s proposed tax increases, Morin and others at the rally said. 

While some were critical of councilors, Morin said he wasn’t coming out against them.

“The councilors have been speaking and trying to make cuts and they’ve been silenced by the mayor and city administrator,” Morin said. “Now that the city attorney has come in saying that councilors can make suggestions — that opens up a whole new thing. So, let’s hear them. Let’s hear what cuts they’re going to make.”

City councilors have been allowed to make broad budget-cutting suggestions. At the request of the council, the city’s attorney recently confirmed they could go line by line.

Mayor Carl Sheline said Wednesday that the city has been trying to conduct the budget process in a way that protects employees who may be affected while recognizing the different roles of the council and city administration.

“The ability for the council to make amendments is outlined in the charter, and I support the plan and process we have all agreed upon,” Sheline said, adding that Lewiston has elected representation in himself and all seven of the city’s councilors.

“I appreciate everyone coming to speak at public comment,” he said. “We listen and we care about what you have to say. Everyone on the council supports lower property taxes, including myself, and I look forward to the upcoming discussion.”

The proposed 2027 city budget before the council is about 6.2% greater than this year’s, and the total tax levy, which includes the school budget, county budget and debt, will be about 8.1% higher. Councilors however continue to discuss further cuts and use of the city’s fund balance to reduce the burden.

Councilors are expected to present amendments to the proposed budget at a future meeting before a scheduled May 19 vote.

“You have to go through it line by line in order to find out what can be changed — eliminate useless positions,” resident Fred Sanborn-Silvers said, adding that he wasn’t sure about what councilors can cut or change. “We’ve just got a budget that’s out of control.”

Resident Renee Fortin rallied others to continue chants before sharing that taxpayers are not getting enough out of the city to justify big budgets.

“Three gunshots last week and a seven-on-one beating?” Fortin said, referring to recent police responses in the city. “People are pissed and this is what we’re getting.”