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Lawrence school board to consider increasing meal prices, some student fees
The Lawrence school board on Monday will consider approving a 10-cent increase to lunch and breakfast prices in addition to some student fee increases for the 2024-25 year.
Latest – All local government news
Planning commission splits on plan for massive solar farm north of Lawrence
Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission members voted on a 4-4 tie to recommend denial of a permit for a massive solar farm north of Lawrence after a meeting that stretched hours into early Tuesday morning.
Lawrence Community Shelter union workers demand improved wages, support
As Lawrence city commissioners are set to consider an agreement with the Lawrence Community Shelter, the shelter’s unionized workers are demanding higher pay, cohesive benefits and better support in their work.
Planning Commission to consider permit for massive solar farm north of Lawrence
Planning commissioners on Monday will consider whether to recommend approval of a permit for an approximately 604-acre commercial solar farm across three parcels of land north of Lawrence.
Lawrence city Commission
City budget would hike property taxes, seek to double .05% sales tax to support homelessness solutions
The Lawrence city manager’s proposed budget for 2025 would increase the property tax rate, and it proposes asking voters to double the .05% affordable housing sales tax to support homelessness initiatives. It would also cut some of Parks & Rec’s budget.
Parking, golf course among top concerns voiced in Lawrence City Commission’s discussion of new code
Lawrence community members voiced concerns about parking, floodplain development and the golf course in the Alvamar neighborhood Tuesday during city commissioners’ discussion of the draft revised land development code.
Lawrence City Commission general public comment for July 2, 2024
Here’s the general public comment for the Lawrence City Commission’s Tuesday meeting, as public comment is no longer being broadcast.
Douglas County Commission
Proposed Douglas County budget would increase property taxes for most residents
Douglas County’s proposed budget for 2025 would keep property tax rates flat but increase taxes for most residents because valuations have increased. Commissioners also could still add $20 million in expenditures.
Douglas County Commission candidates discuss climate plan, race and equity, property taxes
Candidates running for Douglas County Commission seats largely agreed during a forum Saturday that housing inequality and increasing property taxes are pervasive but shared differing viewpoints on environmentalism and equity strides.
Forums set for Douglas County DA, commission candidates
The NAACP and League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County on Saturday will host forums for candidates running for key offices in Douglas County.
Lawrence School Board
Justice Matters adds focus on elder care to its list of priorities during annual assembly
Douglas County suffers from an elder care crisis, according to members of the nonprofit organization Justice Matters. Senior care service providers can’t recruit and retain enough qualified staff to provide quality care to seniors in Douglas County who need it.
Lawrence school board approves Montessori program for New York Elementary
The Lawrence school board narrowly approved implementing a Montessori program at New York Elementary this fall to serve 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds and kindergarteners.
Girls high school gymnastics program to continue in Lawrence school district next year
The FireLions gymnastics team will go on. After hearing the findings of a Title IX report, the Lawrence school board agreed Monday to look at ways the district could boost participation in its high school gymnastics program as well as other offerings for girls.