Shawnee City Council approves Canyon Lakes rezoning and budget strategies

In a recent city council meeting held on July 14, 2025, the Shawnee City Council made several significant decisions that will shape the community's development and budget for the upcoming year. The meeting, led by Communications Director Doug Donahue, highlighted key initiatives aimed at enhancing residential areas and managing city finances.

One of the most notable actions taken was the unanimous approval of a rezoning request for 25 acres in the Canyon Lakes West area, located in the 5800 block of Clare Road. This change from residential suburban to single-family residential will facilitate the development of 51 new home lots, marking the eighth phase of the Canyon Lakes project. This expansion reflects the city's ongoing efforts to meet housing demands and support community growth.

Additionally, the council updated its policy statement regarding open records requests to align with recent state legislation, passing this change with an 8-0 vote. This update is expected to streamline processes and improve transparency for residents seeking access to public records.

As part of the annual budget process, the council also voted unanimously to inform Johnson County of its intention to exceed the revenue neutral rate of 22.3 mills for the 2026 budget. This decision indicates the city's commitment to maintaining essential services and investing in community projects.

City Manager Paul Kramer presented a funding request of $55,000 to support planning for the Americana and Ales event scheduled for June 20, 2026, coinciding with the World Cup. The council approved this initial funding with a 6-2 vote, which will help secure necessary production equipment and marketing efforts for the event.

During the meeting, the council reviewed various budget items, including the city's general fund and other restricted use funds. Plans were discussed to reduce the city's reserve fund to 45% by the end of 2025, with further reductions anticipated in 2026 and 2027. The 2026 budget will also introduce a new full-time position in the police department's dispatch unit, reallocate a vacant position in city hall, and expand a part-time parks and recreation role to full-time to accommodate a growing summer camp program.

Moreover, staff recommended increasing Shawnee's transient guest tax from 8% to 9% to align with neighboring communities, a move that could enhance city revenue.

Looking ahead, the council outlined the timeline for the budget process, with public hearings scheduled for July 28 and a budget open house on August 6 at Shawnee Town 1929's Town Hall. The final public hearings and vote to approve the budget will take place on August 25.

The council's decisions during this meeting reflect a proactive approach to community development and fiscal management, setting the stage for Shawnee's growth and sustainability in the coming years. Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming meetings to stay informed and engaged with local governance.