AUBURN — The threat of losing regional marketing money and funds for a state passenger rail study has led the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to challenge Auburn city councilors.

City councilors are scheduled to discuss Monday night rescinding an October approval that put aside $50,000 to be part of a study designed to bring passenger rail to Lewiston-Auburn.

Councilors have also talked about defunding the Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council.

“We are VERY concerned that a rising, divisive voice is endangering our future and negatively impacting our business climate,” Chamber of Commerce President Matt Leonard wrote in an online call to action Monday morning. “Under the guise of budget shortfalls, the Auburn City Council is moving to unfund two key economic efforts.”

The workshop meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of Auburn Hall.

State legislators approved spending $400,000 to develop a plan to bring passenger train service to Lewiston-Auburn last year, and both Auburn and Lewiston city councils earmarked $50,000 in matching funds to help pay for the study. 

It’s meant to analyze the rail market and demand for the new line, create a service plan, determine what new construction is needed, ascertain potential environmental impacts and alternatives, and find ways to pay for the work.

A February review of Auburn’s annual financial report determined the city has about half as much in its emergency fund as it needs, according to city ordinance. That has councilors looking for ways to rebuild the fund balance without raising taxes. According to the council’s memo for Monday’s meeting, the rail money is one option.

Reclaiming an annual $160,000 paid to the growth council is another, according to some councilors.

Councilors are also scheduled to discuss other ways to rebuild the fund balance later during Monday’s workshop meeting.