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 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.