Commission sets maximum 2026 mill rate above Kansas revenue-neutral level; schedules public hearings

The Lawrence City Commission voted 3–2 on July 15 to notify Douglas County that it intends to propose a 2026 property tax rate of 33.986 mills — a rate that exceeds the county-calculated revenue-neutral rate required by Kansas law — and scheduled the required public hearings for Sept. 2 (revenue neutral and budget hearings) and Sept. 16 (anticipated adoption).

Mary Bisbee, the city’s budget analyst, briefed the commission on the state-mandated revenue-neutral process. The county-calculated revenue-neutral rate for 2026 is 31.379 mills; the budget presented by staff retains a flat mill levy at 33.186 but staff noted a small adjustment to projected property-tax revenue required updated figures. Under Kansas law, cities that propose to collect more property-tax revenue than the prior year must notify the county and hold an additional public hearing on the revenue-neutral rate before adopting a final budget.

Commissioners debated whether to set the maximum now and how much “wiggle room” to leave before affirming the final adopted rate in September. Several commissioners argued for a modest increase in the maximum to preserve flexibility to respond to late budget developments — public-safety staffing, potential county coordination on emergency medical services and other temporary costs — while others urged keeping the maximum as low as possible to avoid the appearance of pre-committing to higher taxes.

Vice Mayor Finkelstein moved the motion to notify Douglas County of intent to propose a 33.986 mill rate; Commissioner Sellers seconded. During a roll-call-style count recorded at the meeting, Commissioners Sellers and Finkelstein voted aye and Commissioner Larson voted nay; Commissioner Littlejohn recorded a nay; the remaining aye vote was recorded by the mayor during the voice vote sequence that preceded the roll call. The motion passed 3–2. Bisbee noted the county must be notified by July 20; the notification triggers county mailings to taxpayers and scheduling of the revenue-neutral hearing required by state law. Staff also reminded the commission that the maximum mill established tonight can be reduced before final adoption but cannot be increased after the county is notified.

Ending: The commission’s action sets the administrative schedule for the revenue-neutral hearing and gives staff direction to proceed with public notices; the final 2026 levy and budget remain subject to public hearings and a final vote in September.