[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6132667,"mediaKeyId","5719835-996294da21c4f50f1891f13c4c91b220","parentId",5719835,"title","Commission votes to exceed revenue-neutral rate; public hearings highlight parks fees and public-safety concerns","audioSeconds",3768,"startMs",12454000,"endMs",16222000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5719835-996294da21c4f50f1891f13c4c91b220&start=12454&end=16222","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5719835-996294da21c4f50f1891f13c4c91b220/thumbnail_12454000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6132667/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/Commission-votes-to-exceed-revenue-neutral-rate-public-hearings-highlight-parks-fees-and-public-safety-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6132667-b345e856a84f635a9866bc310fa72c51/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149548&Signature=KQjVOWHOxegIUbFAX33-qQObTZVhplQEZv4AdYb~6brKqhKaO8Rg4IPwWDwFRYiTX7Geym7m72PhqcvezKr5sA5LBSrGbpL3mr~5NtwsLCP1lRAcBq7Zktp9BJjY-YxReB2cEgyLP009nNGG3f7F82dQe-xUkVjYEOQMuU6DxWqzTZJhUQiLtT1FI92jA7ZtumQqzjYS-DGeJD8CBRt40QeBee2j2r9TNEVGx0aeH-zxpy6YJb17TbTFODZu1sQWbZBiHNY2IsN07lKuwFXC1MpCnd0BpBGwaasNkFQ7VfmNjNzD~VwpieV8nbrwqdex~pQc-Je-Od~aTVU1OGJb2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Lawrence, KS","date","2025-09-03T09:14:59Z","article","The Lawrence City Commission on Sept. 2 held two public hearings on the 2026 budget: one on exceeding the revenue-neutral property tax rate and one on the proposed fiscal-year budget. The commission then adopted Resolution No. 7627, authorizing a property tax rate exceeding the revenue-neutral rate; the roll-call vote was 5-0.

Staff presented the city manager's proposed 2026 budget as a $431 million plan across all funds that began the process with an anticipated $6.6 million gap in the general fund. The presentation emphasized community engagement through the Balancing Act exercise (637 submissions) and a proposed $2 million set-aside for fund-balance restoration in 2026. The public-notice materials for the revenue-neutral hearing listed a maximum mill levy of 33.986, which exceeds the revenue-neutral rate of 31.379; staff said a median home would see an approximate $25 increase under the maximum levy.

\"This is a $431,000,000 budget across all funds,\" staff told the commission during the presentation, summarizing the scope of the proposal. The presentation also noted changes since the July proposal, including a county increase in medical contribution to the fire/EMS partnership to 40.5%, which staff said avoided all but one of the previously projected position reductions in fire/EMS for 2026.

After the staff presentation, the commission opened two extended public-comment periods that drew dozens of speakers. The dominant themes were opponents urging rejection of proposed Parks & Recreation membership fees and proponents or funders urging structural budget solutions. Many petition signatures and online comments were presented to the commission: one petition organizer said more than 1,900 residents had signed a petition opposing fees and another speaker cited a community survey of 2,632 respondents that showed about 81% opposed to rec fees.

Public speakers cited health benefits and equity concerns if the city charges users of the rec centers. \"The opportunity to have a place to go exercise after surgery at no cost is a huge community benefit for my aging parents,\" said Mike Courtney. Carol Comer, who helped organize a petition opposing fees, said in part: \"Free access to our city's recreation facilities is important for so many reasons. Recreation centers foster community, encourage healthy lifestyles and support residents' well-being.\"

Parks staff offered a lowered-fee proposal and exemptions for youth and financially qualified residents. \"We will be using the criteria that we currently use for our scholarship program,\" Assistant Director Lindsey Hart said, listing acceptable documents such as school-lunch letters and SNAP documentation for fee waivers.

Public safety and fire staffing also drew lengthy comment. Representatives of the Lawrence Professional Firefighters argued that reducing suppression staffing and apparatus would raise response risk and insurance-classification impacts. \"The proposal is about more than money,\" said Seamus Aldrin of the firefighters union. Several commissioners and citizens cited recent calls growth and county contributions to EMS funding when discussing how to balance fire and EMS services.

After public comment, the commission voted on Resolution No. 7627 to exceed the revenue-neutral rate. Commissioner Finkelstein moved and Commissioner Littlejohn seconded; Commissioners Larson, Finkelstein, Mayor Deborah, Littlejohn and Sellers voted yes on roll call.

Commission discussion that followed the hearing identified several possible options the commission asked staff to return with for final adoption Sept. 16: a targeted use of part of the available mill-levy capacity to restore reserves, consideration of adding two police patrol officers, adding one firefighter position to mitigate staffing impacts, and a $50,000 subsidy to reduce or eliminate Parks & Recreation fees for youth and financially qualified residents. Commissioners also asked staff to bring additional information on the city's long-term debt plan and on possible alternative revenue or cost reductions explored by departments.

What happens next: The commission's vote permits the city to set a mill levy above the revenue-neutral rate; staff said the mill levy can still be reduced before final budget adoption on Sept. 16. The commission requested additional scenario modeling and options to be returned at the next meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle"," Lawrence City Commission Meeting 09/02/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Lawrence City Commission voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 7627 to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue-neutral rate for the 2026 budget. The two public hearings drew extensive public comment on proposed recreation center fees, public-safety staffing and the city's long-term debt plan.","taxTitle","Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas","taxId",3971,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6132671,"Commission approves first reading to vacate 10-foot utility easement on Dayflower Street",1013,7144000,8157000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5719835-996294da21c4f50f1891f13c4c91b220&start=7144&end=8157","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5719835-996294da21c4f50f1891f13c4c91b220/thumbnail_7144000.jpg","/articles/6132671/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/Commission-approves-first-reading-to-vacate-10-foot-utility-easement-on-Dayflower-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6132671-ee22225b710c79a277f39388055ac824/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149548&Signature=UhuiqY38NpNSxn8-o0eHFNpnlwpb~0QM5zqkCx1vou7L-6v1J8wGwaSZcPGPlUC0FkVVNpUOY9B8TGQGJUGQh8rwxK5EGqZdSGlTAJtxBBD-G012KocFaEGwAhgkw9N~3dK1IteW9oeV52aMdiGwBOaqLNjo4bwNgCSMIlLtaQC0wGol1bgQpGBJ3b9THy7c7cmxbtMfn3LP7532PsKN9IYi67-MlkfrGgHqNpgaB1L2EAe~6lQJ5vnIt3HsLhIV~1a6i-GiATvrf61IQNREYxDZOd93grOhwlZtD-fzYrvWThiEHuWxEBO9L7bdSDIWtBA921ZxbE47uDChTB9BaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Commission conducted a public hearing Sept. 2 and adopted on first reading Ordinance No. 10148 to vacate a 10-foot utility easement that runs between Lots 5 and 6 at 3923 and 3927 Dayflower Street. The motion passed 5-0.

Steven Smith, right-of-way program administrator with the Municipal Services and Operations department, presented the request from Land Plan Engineering and said staff had notified property owners within 400 feet and contacted utility franchisees; staff reported no known conflicts and recommended approval. \"City staff recommends to approve the ordinance 10148 for this vacation,\" Smith told the commission.

During the hearing a small number of citizens commented in favor of improved enforcement of right-of-way obstructions (unrelated to the specific easement vacation) and commended builders and the permitting process. No private utilities reported facilities within the easement and no property-owner objections were received in writing, Smith said.

Commissioner Fingeldai moved to adopt on first reading Ordinance No. 10148; Commissioner Littlejohn seconded. The vote was unanimous, 5-0.

Next steps: The ordinance will proceed to additional readings as required by the city charter; staff will coordinate any platting or minor-subdivision steps needed after final passage.","The commission held a public hearing and on first reading approved Ordinance No. 10148 to vacate a 10-foot utility easement within Block 3, Lots 1-10 of a minor subdivision at 3923 and 3927 Dayflower Street; vote was 5-0.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6132676,"City Commission upholds site plan for 15-row-house development at 700 New Hampshire Street",3410,3288000,6698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5719835-996294da21c4f50f1891f13c4c91b220&start=3288&end=6698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5719835-996294da21c4f50f1891f13c4c91b220/thumbnail_3288000.jpg","/articles/6132676/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/City-Commission-upholds-site-plan-for-15-row-house-development-at-700-New-Hampshire-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6132676-bb61a9e8f9866862b0bda9384c37ce3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149548&Signature=mfbNMpqCo-s16kktIVSLl0KsDDARdziA2vSSrIakK77G7UKv-Xjxxp1CpJOQqpbrjGGOMFx8lC3bLSH9IuA0n3pwm3PskM3M7enicpPK14pwTxzpFbNwRZmuHViZhznNTG96-aivyOMM97hzh6rGWhuQXtNB04FWjXRvDjXNbTjjBz4yEXL~cKRc3lNfiQUOIGXKT96B4b7uLVry5yRE3tN0l5Bi3FBp58aaDWBJrAYc8d45bjneEz5nmouyBvLOjkGKWqZN4RCfkgBnzi~BLNZQavMnNjehOAAeLdA2H7Y8vAHnYBn~~uMxcDv03xlY0Q8Fl2wTR04QTuw4bpz1WA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Commission on Sept. 2 affirmed the planning director's administrative approval of site plan SP-25-0003, a proposal for 15 row houses at 700 New Hampshire Street, voting 5-0 to approve the plan.

The commission's action came after staff described the application as an administrative, ministerial site-plan review under the land development code and after attorneys and planners warned the body to limit its review to the code criteria. \"This is a quasi-judicial hearing,\" Deputy City Attorney Randy Larkin told commissioners. \"Your review of the decision by the director of planning is de novo. You step into the shoes of the planning director.\"

Neighbors and preservation advocates urged the commission to deny the plan or to send it back for changes, calling the project too large and insufficiently compatible with the adjacent North Rhode Island Street historic district. Tony Peterson, a neighbor at 702‑724 Rhode Island Street, said the block has been preserved over decades and that the project would be \"out of scale and inappropriate for the block.\" Multiple speakers said they had not received timely notice of the project and expressed frustration with the Historic Resources Commission (HRC) review, which approved the project 3-2 after several meetings.

The applicant and project design team defended the development as infill that meets the zoning in the CD district. Architect Paul Warner said the project is \"15 homes that we plan to sell\" and emphasized that multifamily dwelling is a permitted use in the CD zone. Warner described design changes made to respond to HRC and ARC review and said the team is providing two parking spaces per unit even though the CD district does not require off-street parking under the 2006 code that governed the application.

City planning staff described the procedural record to the commission: the proposal was submitted in January under the 2006 land development code, went through design review at the Historic Resources Commission and the Architectural Review Committee, and received a planning director determination on July 22 finding it met the site-plan criteria. \"Site plan review is really an assessment of a project: does it meet code or does it not?\" Planning staff said. The staff report acknowledged an incorrect code citation in one paragraph (staff said it should have cited section 20‑308(f) rather than 20‑707(f]) but said the substantive language in the report was correct.

Commission discussion emphasized the limited legal standard for this appeal: whether the plan meets the code. Commissioners noted neighborhood concerns but repeatedly returned to the legal role before them. Commissioner Larson made the motion to approve the site plan; Commissioner Finkelstein seconded it. On roll call, Commissioner Larson, Commissioner Finkelstein, Mayor Deborah, Commissioner Littlejohn and Commissioner Sellers voted yes.

The vote concludes the appeal of the planning director's administrative determination. The HRC's certificate of approval was not itself on appeal; the commission's authority in this hearing was to apply the same site-plan criteria used by staff. The commission did not adopt additional conditions beyond those included in staff's report.

Residents who spoke said they will continue to monitor implementation. \"We are not opposed to the idea of row houses, but some respect should be shown to the existing neighborhood,\" Tony Peterson told the commission during public comment.

What's next: The commission's approval affirms the administrative site-plan decision; any further changes or follow-up (permits, building review, or code compliance checks) will proceed through the city's standard development-review process.

","After public comment and an appeal, the Lawrence City Commission voted 5-0 to affirm the planning director's approval of site plan SP-25-0003 for 15 multi-dwelling row houses at 700 New Hampshire Street. Neighbors raised concerns about scale, massing and notification; the commission's review was limited to whether the plan meets the city code.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission votes to exceed revenue-neutral rate; public hearings highlight parks fees and public-safety concerns

Commission approves first reading to vacate 10-foot utility easement on Dayflower Street

City Commission upholds site plan for 15-row-house development at 700 New Hampshire Street