August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
A 3-mill property tax rate increase and the possibility of asking voters to increase a sales tax for transit are included in an early glance at the City of Lawrence’s 2027 budget plan. Commissioners will discuss it on Tuesday.
“Can our community afford an extra $21 million per year in debt payments when the city had to cut $6.6 million to balance the 2026 operating budget?” Holly Krebs writes in this column.
Tom Harper/Contributed photo
As city staff members start developing the capital improvement plan for 2027-2031, they’re asking residents to submit project requests to help guide the plan’s development.
Tom Harper/Lawrence Times
The City of Lawrence asked for $1,680 and 30 days to fulfill an open record request seeking information about Sports Pavilion Lawrence’s revenue and expenses.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Lawrence Transit is considering adding a $3 fare for use of its on-demand service as federal grants the city has received in the past are going to expire. Buses would still be free to ride.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Despite concerns voiced by community members, Lawrence city commissioners voted to approve a budget that will include fees for residents to use rec centers, take a fire engine offline and increase the property tax rate.
City of Lawrence staff members will ask city commissioners Tuesday to sign off on 555 Stoneridge Drive as the site of the next fire station, estimated to cost $12.96 million.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday will likely decide how much city property taxes will increase and how much to charge residents to use the rec centers.
Lawrence residents are on track to pay the city an average of almost $200 per month for utilities within the next three years, according to calculations by a local advocate. City commissioners will vote on water and wastewater rate increases on Tuesday.
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday heard from dozens about the 2026 budget, which will raise property taxes. They asked to add items during a conversation reminiscent of others in recent months, but now final budget approval is coming in two weeks.
