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V O L . X X I I I N O. X I I M AY 2 9 , 2 0 1 7 18 L E W I S T O N / A U B U R N F O C U S R hetoric about the pending November referen- dum to merge Lewiston and Auburn is heating up, with proponents saying combining the cities would save a minimum of $2.3 million annually by eliminating redundancies and cutting taxes for all, while opponents worry each city would lose its identity and the savings would be less than projected. "is is a very important issue to be decided by the voters," says Paul Poliquin, a former Lewiston city councilor and owner of Paul's Clothing & Shoe Store Inc. on Lisbon Street in Lewiston. He adds he is neutral about the referendum and merger. Poliquin says his business will not be impacted whether or not the proposed referendum passes, but he does see some costs, including changing dupli- cate street names in each city that could confuse emergency responders. at's only the tip of the iceberg. Redundant municipal services and personnel must be merged, dif- ferent tax rates must be brought on par, a plan to pay off each city's pre-merger debt must be put into action and the school districts must be brought together. Each affects the life of residents and businesses. Lewiston has more people, with 36,299, making it the second-largest population in Maine behind Portland. Auburn has A merger of Lewiston and Auburn would save money, but critics worry at what cost B y L o r i V a l i g r a S O U R C E : CGR final report January 2017 Lewiston-Auburn merger study highlights Total annualized savings of $2.3 million to $4.2 million Over 10 years savings would total $1,900 for typical Lewiston property and $1,050 for Auburn One police department would result in more officers on the street and fewer administrators One fire department would result in improved responses with emergencies addressed by the closest unit One school department would create the largest, most comprehensive district in Maine, offering greater specialization and student choices SUMMARY OF CITY OPERATIONS SAVINGS Based on workgroup recommendations Administrator $319,400 Planning, permitting and codes $18,600 Social services and general assistance $78,000 Economic and community development −$23,300 Library $120,000 Finance and administration −$21,600 Accounting — Tax collection $24,100 City clerk $54,000 Assessing $66,100 Human resources $80,200 Information technology — ANNUAL RECURRING SAVINGS $715,500 It's complicated

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