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

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…