City of Auburn

The meeting included an FY27 Budget Workshop and an Open Session where speakers presented updates on the Property Tax Relief Task Force, raised concerns regarding Flock Cameras, and discussed rent freezes and eviction moratoriums. Reports were provided regarding the Maine Mill building progress, upcoming School Committee budget deliberations, the release of the 2025 Auburn Annual Report, and upcoming traffic light advertisements. Additionally, the Council held an executive session to discuss an economic development matter concerning the disposition of City-owned property.

The City Council conducted a budget workshop to review the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the ongoing five-year CIP. Key discussion topics included budget requests across various departments, such as Public Works, General Government, and Intergovernmental Programs, alongside specific funding allocations for airport, police, fire, information technology, and engineering projects. Additionally, an executive session was scheduled to discuss confidential records pursuant to state statute.

This document outlines the Citywide Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, detailing planned capital expenditures across various city departments. The plan allocates funding for critical investments in infrastructure, equipment, and facilities, including Auburn-Lewiston Airport upgrades, City Clerk record restoration, Public Safety (Fire and EMS) apparatus and equipment, Information Technology infrastructure, Public Services engineering, planning, and transportation projects, Public Works road maintenance equipment and facility improvements, Recreation major equipment replacement, and Education initiatives. Each department's projected spending is itemized per fiscal year.

The City Council meeting and workshop covered several key agenda items, including an FY27 budget workshop and a review of the five-year Capital Improvement Plan. Various board appointments were made, including representatives to the Sustainability and Natural Resource Management Board, the Water District Board, and the Sewerage District Board. Discussion topics included an application for an AARP Community Challenge grant for accessible public perennial gardens and the first reading of an ordinance proposing zoning amendments to increase protections for prime farmland and natural resources. Additionally, the council addressed a proposal regarding the issuance of a bond for the Auburn Water District to fund meter installation and changeout projects.

The committee reviewed operational updates for the Auburn Resource Center, Drop-In Center, and Warming Center, including transition plans for a new shelter model. Discussions covered the Auburn Comprehensive Plan, a debrief of the Point-in-Time (PIT) count, and the potential utilization of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). The committee also established a subcommittee to coordinate donations for the Home for Good building units and addressed the need for a letter of support regarding budget recommendations.