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Lawrence councilors fault process after FY26 budget passed with 45‑day timing issue
Summary
Councilors spent much of a special meeting debating process failures after the FY26 budget moved past a 45‑day review window, with several members saying delays and missing documentation hurt review and could raise taxes.
Lawrence City Council members sharply criticized the timing and handling of the fiscal 2026 budget at a special meeting Monday, June 30, saying the council missed a 45‑day review window and that the lapse could increase local tax burdens.
Councilor Mark LaPlante, 29 Durso Ave., urged colleagues to restore “courtesy” in deliberations and to debate proposals in the chamber. “Let’s stop voting on issues based on perceived alliances,” he said. Several other councilors echoed frustration about missing documents and confusing timing.
The discussion centered on when the council and staff received the budget book and supporting materials. The city clerk told the council she received…
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