City Commission adopts 2026 budget with option B; public raises concerns about debt, public safety and new rec fees

The Lawrence City Commission voted 5-0 on Sept. 16 to adopt Resolution No. 7632, approving the City of Lawrence's 2026 operating budget and the 2026–2030 capital improvement plan using the package described in staff materials as "option B."

Option B, as presented by staff during the Sept. 16 meeting, keeps a near-term budget that restored certain county-shared public-safety funding items and adds a set of community requests heard during public hearings. Staff described three scenarios for the general fund mill levy: option A (a flat mill levy), option B (an increment that combined several community requests and additional funding) and option C (a higher, 0.8-mill maximum increase). Option B included budget additions the commission discussed, such as funding to support the Lawrence Farmers Market design work, a $20,000 neighborhood-association support item, and funding requested for small-business support.

Commissioner Finkelstein moved adoption of Resolution 7632 under option B and Commissioner Sellers seconded; the motion passed 5-0.

During the budget discussion and public hearing, multiple city…