Sun Journal screenshot
LEWISTON — The annual school budget validation referendum scheduled for next week will be postponed after the City Council voted down the proposed budget Tuesday night.
Following lengthy debates among councilors over the municipal and school budgets, the City Council approved next year’s $50.1 million municipal budget but declined to move ahead with the proposed $95.7 million school spending plan.
Finance Director Heather Hunter said the School Committee will have to reevaluate and resubmit its budget to the council for approval, and the referendum scheduled to take place May 11 will be postponed.
Several councilors said the School Committee had declined to work with city officials on a budget compromise as the city faces a property tax rate of more than $30 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The vote reflected a now-strained relationship between elected officials on the City Council and School Committee.