AUGUSTA — A measure that would likely make it harder to merge municipalities in Maine will face legislative scrutiny this session at the request of the mayors of Lewiston and Auburn. Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, said he introduced a proposal to require a majority vote by each town or city eyeing a possible merger before […]
L-A merger
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston-Auburn merger: What happens to the debt?
It’s been one of the most frequently asked questions during the run-up to the merger referendum: If one city is created, how will the existing debt in both cities be paid off, and what impact will it have on taxes? For Auburn residents, the concern is that Lewiston’s debt load, at about twice Auburn’s, could fall […]
advertisement
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston-Auburn merger: The impact of a property revaluation
LEWISTON — If Lewiston and Auburn voters decide to create one consolidated city this November, part of the transition process will require the cities to make sure the values of the properties in each city are assessed at the same levels — a task already causing controversy. Auburn’s properties are currently assessed by the city […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, sj-web
Transition, leadership among sticking points in merger debate
AUBURN — Several times during Monday’s debate on whether to merge the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, anti-merger spokesman Bob Stone told the audience that there were no guarantees. In fact, he said, if a merger is approved by voters this November, the fate of both cities would entirely rest in the hands of the […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, sj-web
Lewiston-Auburn merger: The debate continues
Robert Stone, left, of the Coalition Opposed to Lewiston-Auburn Consolidation, and Chip Morrison, representing One LA, present arguments against the proposed Lewiston-Auburn merger at a debate held in the Auburn Public Library on Monday night. AUBURN — Robert Stone really doesn’t like the “Groundhog Day” jokes. Used frequently by those in favor of merging Lewiston and […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, sj-web
Lewiston-Auburn merger: Lewiston hearing, second debate up next
LEWISTON — As the campaigns roll on for and against the proposed consolidation of Lewiston and Auburn, there’s still plenty of opportunity for public input. Following a formal debate held a week ago at the Lewiston Public Library, the City Council will host its public hearing on the consolidation agreement at 6 p.m. Thursday at […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Auburn hosts merger hearing today
AUBURN — Residents in Auburn will get their first chance to grab the microphone and say what they think of a proposal to merge the Twin Cities during a public hearing Monday. As part of the consolidation process outlined by state law, each municipality must host a public hearing prior to the planned November vote. […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Charter Commission to present its case for Lewiston-Auburn merger
LEWISTON — The results of a study to be presented Wednesday at the Dolard and Priscilla Gendron Franco Center will make a strong case for merging Lewiston and Auburn, Charter Commission Chairman Gene Geiger said. The study, developed over the past year, will lay out the potential cost savings of merging the two cities, and could […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Experts gather data for Lewiston-Auburn merger plan
AUBURN — A consultant hired to gather information on the Twin Cities ahead of creating a charter for combining Lewiston and Auburn told residents Wednesday night that he wasn’t there to convince them it was a good idea. The meeting was meant to get public comment and opinions about merging the cities, but it became […]